Both Khan and ISP director Mahendra Agarwal said that the report claiming that the former was ``sacked'' by ISP is false.

``He had never entered any contract with us. So there is no question of sacking him,'' Agarwal told The Indian Express today.

Khan said all his dues had been cleared by the Squash Racquet Association of Maharashtra (SRAM), who had contracted as coach for two years. The contract, which expired on December 1998, needed him to impart 80 days of coaching in a year.

``These rumours against me are being spread by people who want to malign my name. I have worked hard for two years and have, what I believe, produced good results with the boys here,'' said Khan.

``I would be welcomed anywhere in the world and can make much more money than I have here. Would I do this for money?'' countered the coach who trainedthe legendary Jehangir Khan for 10 years.

The fund-strapped SRAM have not yet decided on renewing Khan's contract, waiting till they get financially sounder before offering the Pakistani anything, according to Agarwal, also the secretary of SRAM.

The ISP had, about three years ago, brought Khan into the spotlight by inviting him to hold two coaching clinics. But then SRAM took over, offered Khan the coaching contract, which he accepted as he was under no obligation from the ISP.

``ISP introduced me to squash in the country. But after that, I have been involved with the SRAM,'' said Khan. ``And even though my contract is now over, I am willing to do anything for squash in India, though I am leaving my options open regarding coaching,'' said the Pakistani, who is married to Bollywood actress-singer Salma Agha.

``I have offers from United States, England and even Pakistan where Jehangir Khan -- he is the vice-president of the Pakistan Squash Federation -- wants me to coach there,'' he added.

Praisingyoung talents like Bikram Uberoi and Siddharth Suchde, Khan said that India has the potential to produce a world champion. ``My intention was to produce a world champ and someone like Suchde has shown the necessary talent and the ambition. Whether I am coach here or not, I will do everything possible for the boy,'' Khan added.ÿ