Journalists storm out of Lawson conference

Osman Samiuddin

June 29, 2008



Journalists stormed out of Geoff Lawson's press conference as tempers frayed after Pakistan's 64-run loss to Sri Lanka, which pushed the hosts to the brink of elimination.

A visibly irate Lawson, Pakistan's coach, attended in place of captain Shoaib Malik and immediately set down some ground rules. "Couple of rules before we start. Don't make statements, ask questions. If someone asks a question twice, I won't answer it. Make questions sensible, otherwise I won't answer it."

A senior journalist then asked him whether he was dictating to the media several times, prompting Lawson to tell him to "improve his English." Lawson then pointed his finger at another reporter's face and told him, "If you are rude I'll have to leave."

He then made to walk off, decided against it and walked back in. At this point, another senior local journalist led a boycott and the entire multinational media contingent walked out, an indicator of the poor relationship Lawson has had with the local media.

Lawson, who was appointed in August 2007, has had a troubled time in Pakistan. After Pakistan lost to South Africa in Karachi, in his first Test as coach, he attended a fractious post-match conference. Since then, his interactions with the media have been mostly cool, often tense.

To add to his troubles, Pakistan's on-field performances since he took over have been poor. The Pakistan board, and a number of players privately have been unimpressed by his contributions. A couple of officials told Cricinfo during the Kitply Cup that Lawson's position, as well as that of the captain, were under the scanner and performances in the Asia Cup would be instrumental in deciding his future.

He has also had a difficult time with the selection committee since his arrival, with several documented run-ins over selection. In an interview to an Australian radio station, he criticised the ad-hoc manner in which selectors operate in Pakistan. The committee, in turn, is less than impressed with his contributions till now.

With Pakistan almost out of the tournament - they need to beat India and Bangladesh and hope for other results to go their way - it is almost certain Lawson's position will come under review after the tournament, if not over the next few days.

Osman Samiuddin is Pakistan editor of Cricinfo



1) Malik needs to be replaced on the team, play Fawad Alam
2) Pakistani journalists are a-holes
3) Also get rid of Iftikar Anjum, replace with Yasir Araft, Replace Omar Gul (injured) with Sohail Khan

oops, wrong forum, MODS can you please move to social and political forum. Thank you.

Put Shoaib & Asif in team and see the results.

YAAAAAAAAR Sohail Khan just had the BAD FREAKING LUK to catch malaria rite b4 the tournament, otherwise he was a definite player.

Rao Iftikhar is the MOST USELESS bowler I have ever seen, and ONLY ALLAH SWT knows why he's in the team with such a pathetic international AND domestic record.

Shoaib Malik is a good batsman, and should go opener as shown in the last 3 matches. However his captaincy is terrible and should goto someone else.

Nothings going to change. Shoaib will get get into a fight with his own team mates, get injured and PCB will have to pay millions for his treatment overseas, while he parties with some white chick.

Asif will just get high and have no clue whats happening.

I despise journalists and lawyers.