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Intikhab Alam is new Pakistan coach

Intikhab Alam was reappointed Pakistan coach for the Australian limited-overs tri-series, involving Australia and India, starting on January 9.

The appointment, made two days after army lieutenant general Tauqeer Zia replaced Zafar Altaf as Pakistan Cricket Board chief, makes the 54-year-old Alam Pakistan's fifth coach this year, after Javed Miandad, Mushtaq Mohammad, Wasim Raja and Richard Pybus.

Miandad resigned on the eve of the World Cup and Mohammad took his place for the tournament in England. Raja replaced Mohammad though only for a one-month before Pybus took over for the Australian tour, only to be sacked soon after the team returned from a disastrous series where they lost all three Tests.

Alam, the former Pakistan captain, told newsmen that his contract was only for the Australian series.

"I had a meeting with the new board chief and he wanted me to take over the team. I am not sure if it is a long-term appointment,'' Alam said.

Pakistan captain Wasim Akram said he was happy with Alam's appointment. "I have worked with him and I know he is one of the most suitable persons for this job.''