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Media manager for Pakistan team

The Pakistan Cricket Board, in a sudden decision, has sent a high profile figure of the ruling Muslim League party to England as media manager of the Pakistan team.

Nadir Chaudhri, who is also advisor at Pakistan International Airlines, arrived at Headingley on Sunday to join the team.

Chaudhri, who was also in line to go to India as team manager earlier this year, said he had come to England with no hidden agenda, and his only job was to project a positive image of the team during the remaining part of the World Cup.

PCB chairman Khalid Mehmood had specially written to PIA chairman Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, asking him to release Chaudhri for the assignment.

Mehmood, in his letter, pointed out that since Pakistan was one of the favourites to enter the final, it was feared that sooner or later the British press might try to publish adverse stories about the team to deflate the morale of the boys. The letter states it was therefore necessary that a responsible and experienced person was sent to join the team as media manager.

Abbasi accepted the request and ensured that Chaudhri flew out immediately, though he made it clear he (Chaudhri) had still not been officially released by the airlines.

Chaudhri said he was available anytime of the day if the press required to speak to him about any controversy.

This is the first time a media manager has been appointed with a touring Pakistan side. In the past, either the manager or captain communicated with the press.

Agencies