Karachi (PTI): Former Pakistan captain Javed Miandad has turned down a offer to coach the national cricket team following Australian Geoff Lawson's sudden termination.

Miandad, who was the first choice candidate of newly-appointed Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Ejaz Butt, rejected the offer citing family and business commitments, after which a two-year contract was handed over to Intikhab Alam.

"Miandad was the first choice candidate as coach and was offered the post by Butt during a recent meeting in Lahore but he turned it down saying he was very busy with his business and family commitments," one source said.

Miandad, one of Pakistan's most successful Test players with 124 appearances, had three stints with the national team as coach. His last tenure ended in 2004 when Pakistan lost a series against arch-rivals India at home.

After drawing curtains to his international career, Miandad has often been criticised by some former players as someone who is always looking for positions in the PCB for lucrative packages. "But I think this latest development proves that Miandad is sincere towards Pakistan cricket and making money is not his main aim," one source said.

"There might have been other factors for Miandad not accepting the coaching offer because it is no secret he strongly believes the national team needs to undergo drastic changes if it is to improve and become a world champion side," the source added.

The right-handed batsman has now agreed to become a member of the PCB governing board and has advised Butt to pick the right people for right positions if Pakistan cricket has to improve.