I want to give something back to Pakistan cricket - Miandad

Dubai: Former Pakistan cricketer Javed Miandad is widely regarded as the country's greatest ever batsmen. Recently appointed the Director General of the Pakistan Cricket Board he has also had three stints as coach of the national side.

Gulf News: Why did you refuse to be the coach of the Pakistan team?
Javed Miandad: For me, now, the targets are bigger. No longer I am looking at myself. I want to do something for Pakistan cricket, looking at the broader perspective, so I was not particularly interested.

What were your feelings on accepting the post of the Director General of PCB?
Yes, it is a new post and a new challenge for me. I love challenges. It involves more responsibilities and commitment with more power in my hands, too.

What do you want to achieve in the role?
See, a lot of things are there to be done. We have to find the talent and nurture it properly. We have to go to places to find the talent. The senior team has been playing well but there is ample scope for improvement. We have to look at every possibilities.

Do you think the India-Pakistan series will take place?
I am confident that the series will take place. India has always supported us and they will be behind us. Yes, when the junior hockey team's tour to Pakistan was cancelled, we were a bit worried. But I am hopeful. There is time. Matters can be sorted out.

What will be the fate of players taking part in the unrecognised Indian Cricket League?
What I believe is cricket boards are like parents while the players are their children. They should sit and find a solution.

Those cricketers playing in the ICL are our own boys too. Common people, too, are involved and they need to know what's going to happen. We have to think about it.

On current form, are the Indians ahead of the Pakistanis?
Yes, at the moment the Indians are playing better and they have more experience. But the Pakistanis will be right up to there when the two teams meet. Past performances do not count.