Pakistan board tells Miandad to explain criticism

Pakistan cricket authorities revealed on Friday that former captain and current director-general Javed Miandad has been served a formal notice to explain why he criticised the board.

In his three years at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Miandad, 54, has had several disputes with the organisation's chairman Ijaz Butt, and on Wednesday said that 90 percent of the board's decisions were wrong.

Authorities demanded an explanation from the former great.

"PCB has served a show-cause notice to Minadad over an interview in the media and he has been given seven days to explain," PCB spokesman Nadeem Sarwar told AFP.

Miandad told local English newspaper Dawn that he was not being allowed to fulfil his duties despite having been appointed by Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, who is also the patron of the PCB.

"People around the world regard my services as a cricketer but the PCB doesn't want to give me authority to improve cricket," he said.

"While closely watching the functioning of the PCB, I am disappointed and feel that 90 percent of decisions are wrong, and are spoiling the sport in the country".

Miandad said he would meet Zardari to "apprise him of the poor condition of cricket in Pakistan. I will request him to either take necessary steps or allow me to leave the DG post."

Butt is due to complete his three-year term as PCB chairman next month.

Miandad was regarded as one of Pakistan's greatest-ever batsmen, scoring 8832 runs in 124 Tests - both still national records - during an illustrious career. He also featured in 233 one-day internationals.