Sacked Pakistan coach Geoff Lawson has sought legal help to settle his outstanding dues with the Pakistan Cricket Board.

Sources in the PCB have confirmed that Lawson, who was removed as coach two days back, has conveyed to the board that he has not received his complete dues as yet and returned the final payment cheque handed to him after it was decided to sack him with 10 months of his contract still remaining.

"Lawson has also indicated to the board he has already sought assistance and legal advise from the Australian High Commission in Islamabad over the case and would only return home when the matter is settled," one source said.

An official of the PCB downplayed the issue stating the board had removed Lawson for cricketing reasons and it has no intention to deprive the Australian of his dues.

"He is overreacting. There might have been some error on part of our accounts department. We have also called our legal advisor for discussions tomorrow to find out what amount is Lawson claiming now because we have made the full and final payment to him," the official said.

Lawson, incidentally, had taken his salary for November and December in advance from the PCB and under contractual obligations the board has said if the former Aussie pacer is removed before his contract expires, he has to be given three months compensation.

"He was getting paid around USD 175,000 per year plus other perks and benefits," one official said.

The PCB has indicated that it wants Lawson to vacate the National Cricket Academy as soon as possible, but PTI has learnt that till now he has made no airline bookings out of Pakistan.

"I believe something has come back from Lawson regarding the outstanding payment," Salim Altaf, PCB Director General confirmed.

"There is no major problem and if there is a difference then it will be handled by our lawyers as per the contract and sorted out." Lawson is the third foreigner to have worked with the Pakistan cricket team. Earlier, South African Richard Pybus was sacked after the 2003 World Cup, while Englishman Bob Woolmer died during the last World Cup.