KARACHI, July 3: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Dr Nasim Ashraf on Thursday denied all rumours regarding the removal of Pakistan coach Geoff Lawson after the ongoing Asia Cup in Karachi.

Talking to Dawn, the chairman said there was no question about replacing Lawson since the team was improving under the Aussie coach.

“There is absolutely no truth in the rumours that Geoff Lawson will be removed after the Asia Cup,” the chairman categorically stated. ”No such matter is under discussion.”

Lawson’s recent row with the media during the Asia Cup and the news about his constantly strained relations with the selectors have feulled speculations that the former Aussie pacer might be on his way out after the on-going Asia Cup, which will be much before his two-year contract expires in August 2009.

Meanwhile, the chairman, who returned from Dubai on Thursday after attending a series of ICC meetings there, said the change in the status of the Oval Test by the ICC — from forfeited to draw — was a big achievement of the PCB.

“But I would like to specially thank the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for not resisting PCB’s proposal to change the status of the Test,” he said. “In fact, the ECB was also not too convinced about declaring the Oval Test as a win in their record through an umpire’s decision, which was indeed debatable,” he said.

“Since day one, it has been our stance that the Test should be declared a draw since the Pakistan team was ready to take the field and play after the short boycott,” he said. In August 2006, Pakistan were declared losers at the Oval Test after umpire Daryl Hair forfeited the Test in England’s favour following the walkout of Inzamamul Haq’s men in protest to a five-run penalty imposed for alleged ‘ball-tampering’ charge.

Though later on , Pakistan was willing to o resume play, the two umpires decided to remove the bails and declared the Test ‘forfeited’.

The PCB chairman also disclosed on Thursday that many countries had supported Pakistan as hosts of the next ICC Champions Trophy in September, and hopefully the event would be held as scheduled.

The chairman added that Pakistan had been organizing the Asia Cup in a successful manner and many foreign delegates, including the ECB officials, would be coming to Pakistan to see the final with their families as well as take part in the ACC Silver Jubilee celebrations to be held here on Saturday.