Pakistan seek Miandad’s expertise before World T20

Javed Miandad speaks to Shoaib Malik at a training session in September 2009. The PCB has sought Miandad’s services as batting consultant before the World T20 in Sri Lanka starting next week.

KARACHI: Pakistan’s former Test captain and prolific batsman Javed Miandad will join the national team in Sri Lanka to give batting tips ahead of the World Twenty20 this month.

Miandad will not interfere with the work of current boss Dav Whatmore for the September 18-October 7 tournament but will instead concentrate on any individual batting niggles following a series of recent collapses. He will be with the team in Sri Lanka during their warm-up matches and practice sessions until the start of the tournament.

“He has been given a special assignment for a short period before the start of the World Cup,” a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) spokesman said.

Miandad has previously acted as head coach of the Pakistan cricket team and is currently employed by the PCB as its director general.

“My main priority is to have pep talks with the players, to raise their spirits and confidence, and work with the batsmen in the nets, advise them on batting issues, keeping in mind the requirements of the World Cup and conditions in Sri Lanka,” the Test great was quoted as saying by cricket website ESPNCricinfo