Lt-Gen. Tauqir Zia, who resigned as chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in the wake of last week's Test humiliation against Australia in Sharjah, has been persuaded to remain in the role by Pakistan's president, Gen. Pervez Musharraf. Zia and Chishty Mujahid, the PCB director, both tendered their resignations after Pakistan were bowled out for 59 and 53 in the second Test against Australia. But Musharraf, in his capacity as President of the PCB, refused to accept the decision.

"He has shown confidence and faith in me and I will continue to work with full enthusiasm," said Zia in a statement. Nevertheless, he defended his original move, saying: "It was not a rash decision but if the team performs so badly someone has to take responsibility."

The news was welcomed by Khawaja Mohammad Nasir, Pakistan's team manager. "Its a great relief that General is back," he said. "He is a man of great honour and accepted responsibility for the defeat, deflecting criticism from the young team onto himself."

Zia remains a respected member of the international cricket community, and had received a ringing endorsement from Malcolm Gray, ICC's president, hours before Musharraf's decision. "He has the knowledge, capabilities and experience to lead Pakistan cricket," Gray commented. "The game in Pakistan is going through an enormously complex and difficult period on and off the field. "Throughout this time General Zia has been a powerful and persuasive advocate for the cause of Pakistan Cricket."

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