ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AP):

INTIKHAB ALAM was appointed as the new coach of Pakistan yesterday, just a day after the sacking of his predecessor Geoff Lawson, a top official of the Pakistan Cricket Board said.

"We have appointed Intikhab (Alam) as the coach and he will accompany the team to Abu Dhabi for the three one-day internationals against the West Indies," PCB chairman Ijaz Butt told The Associated Press.

Pakistan will play three ODIs against the West Indies in November. The PCB is also looking for sponsors for two proposed Tests against the same opponents just after the one-dayers.

The PCB sacked Australian Lawson on Friday, having to pay him three months salary in advance.

Lawson was hired as coach on a two-year contract by the previous head of the PCB Nasim Ashraf last year. However, the PCB terminated his contract nine months before the contract was due to expire.

Butt said the length of 66-year-old Alam's contract is expected to be decided next week.

"We would like to appoint Alam for a two-year contract, but the final decision will be announced after we take the approval of (PCB's) governing board members," Butt said.