National interest is supreme for Miandad

Karachi, May 27 (UNI) After three stints as the coach of Pakistan team, former captain Javed Miandad said he will not compromise on national interest if asked to take up the responsibility for the fourth time.

''I have always kept national interest above all and will continue to do so in the future,'' he said in reponse to a query whether he would like to accept the coaching assignment by the PCB.

''It is a hypothetical question but I can only think about it if the offer comes to me,'' Pakistan's highest run-getter with 8832 in 124 Test matches, said.

''I have to think about various options if any offer comes through,'' said Miandad, who has not applied for the coaching job advertised by the PCB few weeks ago.

Miandad dismissed the impression that Paksitan was back on track following their series win over World Cup finalists Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi.

''It was like festival cricket in Abu Dhabi. It is good that Pakistan's full strength team beat an under strength Lankan team but it is not worth celebration,'' he remarked.

''Winning the World Cup, Asia Cup or a major away series is worth celebrating and not series like in Abu Dhabi,'' he observed.

He said Pakistan should take a leaf out of the Australian team to improve their performance.

''Look at the Australians, they won the World Cup for a third time since 1999 and their celebrations were over after having a breakfast with Prime Minister John Howard.'' he told the local media.

''The Pakistan team can only enhance their performance and status by looking at a team such as Australia,'' he said.

''We need a good strategy and planning on a long-term basis.

Boys should learn from their mistakes and improve upon it,'' Miandad said.

Miandad, who will turn 50 next month, asserted he had served the country with honour and dignity and it was always his wish that Pakistan team performed well in the international arena.

However, PCB chief Nasim Ashraf's recent statement that the Board was looking for a foreign coach might put paid to all his hopes and disappoint his supporters at home who consider Miandad to be the best bet for turning around the sagging fortunes of the team.

''The Pakistan team has got the same old lot except for Fawad Alam and Najaf Shah,'' he added. ''We must look for consistency because it is the national duty of the players to perform well,'' he concluded.

UNI