There have been rumours about the change at the helm of the Pakistan Cricket Board
LAHORE: Unfortunately, in Pakistan, nothing is entirely apolitical — not even entertainment and sports. Almost every other sector at some point in time has been politicised for one reason or the other. Recently, there have been rumours about the change at the helm of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
Current PCB Chairman Najam Sethi is considered pro-Sharifs and was even reportedly accused of rigging the 2013 general elections for the same party, and is now likely to be replaced by Wasim Akram, who is also PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s close friend. Prior to Sethi, the Pakistan Peoples Party had, during its tenure, appointed Zaka Ashraf as PCB chairman.
Pakistan cricket has somewhat recovered from tumultuous seasons with no international series being played in the country under Sethi’s command only. Further, three consecutive editions of the ‘Pakistan Super League’ have not only brought international cricketers to the country but also massive monetary receipts. The new government must not replace the PCB chairman merely for political reasons and give the matter serious thought before making a decision. Cricket should not be politicised as it is known as the gentlemen’s game. This becomes all the more necessary considering the ever-growing popularity of the game within the country and internationally.
Zahid Ashraf
Published in The Express Tribune, August 11th, 2018.
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