Salahuddin criticises PCB for appointing Ijaz Ahmed as coach

Karachi:

Former chief selector Salahuddin Ahmed has criticised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for appointing Ijaz Ahmed as national team's coach despite a case of fraud against him.

Ahmed has been appointed coach for the two Twenty20 internationals against England in Dubai later this week. Salahuddin said on Monday that it was surprising that the board has chosen Ijaz for the high profile job despite his chequered past.

"Ijaz has been to jail and is still facing a court case in a fraud case, under PCB rules and regulations the board cannot appoint anyone to any post who has a criminal case pending against him," Salahuddin noted.

He said the decision to appoint Ijaz as senior team coach or to even send him with the under-19 and Pakistan A teams in recent times highlighted the mismanagement in the PCB.

Ijaz, who also coached the Pakistan youth team to the World Cup final in New Zealand, was arrested and jailed in the fraud case where some people have accused him of issuing a fake cheque for a property deal.

"I just hope the President can take a look at the cricket affairs and take some strong decisions because there is no doubt the board under Chairman, Ejaz Butt has not performed well at all," he said.

Salahuddin resigned as chief selector when Ejaz Butt took over in October, 2008.