LAHORE: Pakistan cricket authorities Friday rejected allegations of unprofessionalism from their former fielding coach Steve Rixon, saying they were surprised by the ‘unfounded’ attacks.
Former Australian wicket-keeper Rixon was credited with lifting Pakistan’s fielding standards during his two-year contract with the national team, which expired in June this year.
He did not seek a renewal of the contract, and on Thursday blasted the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for being late with payments and disorganized.
“They didn’t pay subsidiary staff on time. Everyone was meant to go to the World Cup (2019 in England), which would be the sensible thing to do but not unless they improved their act,” Rixon told Fairfax Media in Australia.
“[I told them], ‘you guys will make me angrier and angrier, and I don’t need it.’
In the interview, Rixon said: “If they want outsiders to the country doing the job make sure you look after them.”
The PCB rejected Rixon’s claims, saying it was “disappointed by the baseless allegations” and that it “enjoyed cordial relations with all current and former foreign staff attached with national teams.”
“It comes as a surprise to us that Mr.Rixon made unfounded allegations,” the cricket authority said in a statement.
“The PCB strongly refutes the allegations made by Mr.Rixon in his interview, the foreign coaching staff has full backing and support of the board.”
Pakistan has a number of international figures on its national coaching team — Rixon was replaced by former New Zealand spinner and Scotland coach Grant Bradburn, and the position of batting coach is held by former Zimbabwean batsman Grant Flower.
Pakistan Cricket Board rejects allegations of unprofessionalism
Pakistan Cricket Board rejects allegations of unprofessionalism
- Former Australian wicket-keeper Steve Rixon blasted the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for being late with payments and disorganized
- “If they want outsiders to the country doing the job make sure you look after them,” says Rixon
Southampton’s stunning fightback leaves Leicester in turmoil
LONDON: Southampton made an incredible late comeback from three goals down to beat crisis club Leicester 4-3 in the Championship on Tuesday.
Leicester interim manager Andy King looked set for his first victory since taking charge after first-half goals from Divine Mukasa, Patson Daka and Abdul Fatawu at the King Power Stadium.
But Southampton substitute Ross Stewart reduced the deficit in the 61st minute to spark the astonishing revival.
Leicester’s brittle confidence was exposed as Jack Stephens netted in the 82nd minute and Ryan Manning equalized five minutes later.
Shea Charles struck six minutes into stoppage time to snatch the points for Southampton in dramatic fashion, leaving King’s shell-shocked side without a win in six games.
Seven years after thrashing Southampton 9-0 at St. Mary’s, Leicester hit a devastating low of their own against the Saints.
Still searching for a permanent manager following Marti Cifuentes’ sacking, Leicester are outside the relegation zone only on goal difference.
The Foxes were recently deducted six points by the Football League for breaches of financial regulations.
Birmingham missed the chance to move into the play-off places after they were held to a 0-0 draw by West Bromwich Albion at St. Andrew’s.
New West Brom boss Eric Ramsay remains winless but claimed a second successive draw to help his side move two points above the relegation zone.
Mohamed Toure hit a hat-trick as Norwich made it five wins from their last six matches with a 3-0 victory at second-bottom Oxford.
