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Former England captain Geoffrey Boycott arrived here on Monday on a 15-day coaching assignment and immediately dismissed impressions that he was to assist senior players.

Addressing a press conference, the Yorkshireman clarified that he was here to improve the techniques of budding cricketers. While saying he would not interfere in the affairs of Pakistan team coach Javed Miandad, he said he would be available if asked for any guidance.

He said Inzamam-ul-Haq was Pakistan's best batsman because he has been consistent throughout his career.

Boycott, who has been sponsored by fast food chain McDonald and will be paid £30,000, contradicts PCB's schedule which was announced a couple of days back. Boycott, according to the programme by PCB, was supposed to spend three days with the New Zealand-bound Pakistan cricket team.

The former England opener said Pakistan had produced very talented batsmen in the past like Imran Khan, Hanif Mohammad etc. "But now the batsmen lack in technique."

He said a batsman requires mental toughness, discipline, fighting spirit and professionalism to become a world-class. He said that the Australian team was enjoying all these basic ingredients which have made them a force to be reckoned with.

Boycott, who started his assignment as chief coach of Pakistan's cricket academy, observed Pakistan needed replacements for Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis in the near future and similarly three or four batsmen to raise a formidable team.

He said Wasim and Younis have been performing with distinction since making their debuts but added that they cannot continue for ever.

The chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Lt Gen Tauqir Zia, who was also present at the press conference, said Boycott was the best choice for academy.

He said Boycott had good knowledge about the Pakistan players and also had the ability to handle them.

He said some Pakistani players like Hanif Mohammad, Majid Khan and Zaheer Abbas were also considered for the job but they were not available.

The PCB chief claimed that England would have been the best team in the world had they appointed Boycott as their coach.

Earlier, Boycott held practical and theory sessions at the Gaddafi Stadium which were attended by Imran Nazir, Saeed Anwar, Abdur Razzaq, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Yousuf Youhana, Shahid Afridi, Moin Khan, Imran Farhat, Yasir Arafat, Shoaib Akhtar, Salim Elahi, Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Sami.

He paid special attention to Imran Nazir, Shahid Afridi, Salim Elahi and Imran Farhat. He prepared their videos and later pointed out their weak points.

In the second phase of the academy starting from Feb 8, 13 more players would imparted training.

Agencies add: Boycott arrived for a controversial coaching assignment and began by praising Pakistani players and facilities.

"I have always been a great admirer of Pakistan cricketers. They have natural flair which I love," Boycott said.

"That's the prime reason which has convinced me to take up this assignment."

Boycott's appointment has been criticised as too expensive by local newspapers and some former players.

"I believe the senior players like Inzamam-ul-Haq and Saeed Anwar don't require my assistance," Boycott said.

"It's the up-and-coming boys on whom I would work. I am a firm believer that Pakistan has the greatest talent available which has not been proper streamlined.

"I am not here for one visit. I will return again if invited by the cricket board."

Boycott said he was delighted with the facilities created for the coaching programme.

"They are excellent. I am delighted because the general opinion is that Pakistan don't have a proper coaching infrastructure."

© Dawn