Miandad wants more power for Pakistan coach after rout

KARACHI, Oct 28 (Reuters) - Former test captain Javed Miandad has called for the Pakistan team coach and selectors to be given more power after the side's humiliating 124-run defeat against South Africa in the Champions Trophy. Pakistan were dismissed for just 89 runs in the must-win tie against South Africa, who moved into the semi-finals with the win in Mohali, India on Friday. "The cricket board must give more authority to the coach and selectors to have a say in all matters to reduce the influence of the players," Miandad told Reuters on Saturday. Miandad, who played 124 tests, 233 one-day internationals and coached the team three times after his retirement in 1996, said there was also a need for appointing a former player as an advisor. "The West Indies have done well since Clive Lloyd was named team advisor. We should also follow their example to support the coach," the 49-year-old added. Miandad bemoaned that successive boards had failed to put an emphasis on team discipline and this had encouraged a culture of "player power". "What happened against South Africa is a culmination of different episodes in the last few months which exemplify the urgent need to address disciplinary issues," he said. "The players need to learn from their mistakes and be more professional and committed in their approach to the game."