LAHORE, Oct 4: Pakistan coach Javed Miandad, who has come under fire from chief selector Aamir Sohail, has asked for a meeting with the national board chairman.

Miandad said he had requested a meeting with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Tauqir Zia on Saturday to discuss “pressing issues”.

After Pakistan’s eight-run win over South Africa in the first One-day International, Miandad responded angrily on Saturday to criticism from Aamir.

Aamir had said on Thursday that it would not be difficult for Pakistan to beat a weaker South Africa team provided the players were handled properly.

“I think that more concentration and professionalism is required to exploit the abilities and skills of the players,” Aamir was quoted as saying by the official APP news agency in an apparent dig at Miandad.

Aamir and Miandad worked together as captain and coach in 1998 but fell out in a highly publicised row after defeats at home to Australia and Zimbabwe.

Miandad told Reuters on Saturday: “If anyone thinks he can do a better job than me as coach he is welcome to come and give it a try.

“I don’t need any advice from anyone. What I have done with the team is visible to everyone. I am committed and trying hard.

“I think everyone knows what I have delivered since the World Cup.”

Miandad was brought in as coach after Pakistan failed to qualify for the second round of the World Cup earlier this year.

Aamir was also appointed chief selector and promptly dropped senior players Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Saeed Anwar and Inzamam-ul-Haq from the squad.

Since then Inzamam has returned as captain and Pakistan, with a blend of new and experienced players, have done reasonably well in three one-day tournaments.

Before South Africa’s arrival they whitewashed Bangladesh 3-0 and 5-0 in the Tests and one-day series at home.

“I am satisfied with what we have achieved in the last six months,” Miandad said. “We have found two or three good players for the future and they are improving. The team is now playing like a proper team.”—Reuters