October 14 Monday 2002
Pakistan's cricket chief quits after humiliating defeat 

KARACHI: Pakistan's top two officials resigned after team's humiliating defeat against Australia in the second Test, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced Sunday. 

"The chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board Lt. Gen. Tauqir Zia has tendered his resignation to the Patron of the PCB President General Pervez Musharraf," the PCB said. "I met the President Saturday evening and tendered my resignation. He said he would discuss it when he returns from Turkey," the press release quoted PCB chairman as saying. "I feel down and embarrassed with my team's performance. And although the same boys fought excellently in the first test, I believe being the chairman of the cricket board, I have to take the responsibility of such a poor performance," he added. The Director of the PCB Chishty Mujahid has also submitted his resignation to PCB chairman but the PCB boss said he would pursue Mujahid to take back his decision. 

"I am not going to accept Mujahid's resignation and will hopefully succeed in convincing him to continue his job," the General said. Mujahid, however, was adamant his decision is final. "I had come on the condition that I would work with the General and would go when he goes. So if now he goes, I am also going with him," Mujahid is quotted as saying in the press release. 

In the meantime according to reports from Sharjah Pakistan team players were jolted by the news and senior players like captain Waqar Younis, Rashid Latif and Shoaib Akhtar held meetings in the team hotel. Coach Richard Pybus said General Taquir Zia must reconsider his decision. "It's disappointing to hear that Gen. Zia has resigned. It would be disturbing for the team but I just hope that there is some reconsideration in that," Pybus said in his reaction. "Pakistan cricket has a bright future and every body must work together to progress," he said.