PCB not satisfied with Lawson's performance

Lahore, Dec 14 (UNI) Pakistan coach Geoff Lawson today drew flake from PCB chief Nasim Ashraf who said the Australian was to be held responsible for Test and ODI series loss to arch rivals India.

Captain Shoaib Malik though escaped much of the blame considering that he is new to the job and learning.

Ashraf said the team's performance in India lacked spine and the cricketers were short of professionalism.

''The team was short on professionalism and responsibility for this lies with the coach. I am not satisfied with his (Lawson's) performance. When he returns from his Christmas holidays we will talk to him,'' Ashraf told journalists here after meeting captain Malik and manager Talat Ali.

Ashraf said the Board would be patient with Malik and give him time to mature and develop into an able leader.

''We are confident Malik will learn and become better with time and we remain committed to our decision to retain him as captain till the end of next year,'' Ashraf said.

UNI