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President Gen Pervez Musharraf returned from Turkey Tuesday morning and quickly pulled Pakistan cricket back from the brink by not accepting Lt Gen Tauqir Zia's resignation.

Tauqir, the chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), had tendered his resignation on Saturday night after the national team were smashed into smithereens by cricket heavyweights Australia in the second Test in Sharjah.

The innings and 198-run defeat that witnessed Pakistan's lowest Test scores of 59 and 53, had prompted a bitterly disappointed Tauqir to submit his resignation. But Musharraf, also the Patron of PCB, told the chairman at the Army House in Rawalpindi that he would have to continue as he was the "right man".

Musharraf emphasised that the new-look Pakistan team required proper guidance and motivation and hoped that they would bounce back in the third Test starting Saturday.

Tauqir, who had already made it clear that if the president asked him to continue he wouldn't be able to say no, reiterated that stance. "The president has told me to continue and I can't refuse him. He has shown the confidence in me and I'll keep working with the same spirit as I have been doing previously," Tauqir said.

"My decision to resign was well-thought and was not a rash one. It was a historical defeat and I being the boss had to take responsibility."

While urging the senior players to realise their responsibilities, Tauqir said that he would continue to support the youngsters for he was a big fan of their abilities. "I'll now have to analyse the problem areas and act accordingly."

Pakistan cricket that was in a state of limbo, administratively for more than 48 hours has been put back on track, with the PCB director Chishty Mujahid, now also agreeing to continue.

Chishty had resigned saying that he had joined the Board on the condition that he would work with the general and would go when he goes. "So if he is going now, I am going with him," he had said Sunday.

Reuters adds: Earlier Tuesday, Tauqir was urged to reconsider his decision by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

In a statement, ICC president Malcolm Gray said from London: "I urge Gen Zia to reconsider his decision. He has the knowledge, capabilities and experience to lead Pakistan Cricket. "The game in Pakistan is going through an enormously complex and difficult period on and off the field. "Throughout this time Gen Zia has been a powerful and persuasive advocate for the cause of Pakistan cricket. "It would be a significant blow to the game if he were lost to the sport," added Gray. "Given the issues that remain in Pakistan cricket at this time, it is essential that there is stability in the leadership of the PCB."

© Dawn