Rumours surround Najam Sethi’s future as PCB chairman

KARACHI: Rumours about a possible ‘change’ in Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) are intensifying as every former cricketer who meets the likely future Prime Minister Imran Khan is being considered as the next PCB chairman to replace Najam Sethi. Many believe that the duo’s poor relationship on the political front, the new prime minister might remove Sethi from his position.

Meanwhile Sethi is working on usual affairs in PCB office. According to sources he hasn’t commented about giving resignation and has no such intention as of now. In the past days the chairman awarded promotions to many employees of the board which led to an increase in their salaries.

Sources further stated that the situation will be clearer after Imran Khan has taken oath as prime minister; however one his close friends has advised Najam Sethi, on media, that it will be better to resign.

As far as the candidates for the next PCB chairman is concerned, former ICC President Ehsan Mani’s name is also being mentioned in the same conversation but when he was questioned by Daily Express correspondent, he replied that nobody had got in touch with him on the issue.

“Nobody has contacted and offered me such a role,” Mani said. “Also it’s too early to comment on this matter.”

On the other hand, a close source of former captain Wasim Akram says that he isn’t interested in becoming PCB chairman as he doesn’t have much experience of management affairs.

Javed Miandad’s name is also in the mix but there are less chances of him becoming the chairman. In the past, a director general’s position was formed for him on the directives of former Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari but he took salary and did nothing.

New information about Imran Khan’s close friend and former Test cricketer Zakir Khan is that he will leave cricket board’s job and he will take over as prime minister’s adviser or other similar responsibility.

The current situation has also affected Pakistan Head Coach Mickey Arthur as he has contacted some players to ask about any possible changes in the board.

Najam Sethi has given a free hand to Mickey Arthur and nobody interferes in team’s matters, which is why the coach is concerned that in the era of a new chairman he might not be able to enjoy this freedom.