PM Imran lauds Ehsan Mani's contribution to cricket in Pakistan

PM says he appreciates ex-PCB chief's role in setting up regional domestic cricket structure in Pakistan

LAHORE:

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday lauded the services of former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Ehsan Mani for setting up Pakistan's regional domestic cricket structure and bringing international teams to Pakistan.

Want to thank Ehsan Mani for his contribution to cricket in Pak during his 3 yr tenure as Chairman PCB. I especially appreciate his setting up, for the first time, a regional domestic cricket structure in Pak & his role in bringing back international cricket teams to Pakistan.

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) August 28, 2021

In a tweet on Saturday, the prime minister said that he was thankful to Mani for his contribution to cricket in Pakistan during his three-year tenure as the head of the PCB.

"I especially appreciate his setting up for the first time, a regional domestic cricket structure in Pakistan and his role in bringing back international cricket teams to Pakistan," the premier wrote on Twitter.

Read Ehsan Mani faces tough questions in PAC meeting

Meanwhile, the PM also reviewed efforts in Punjab for the revival of school cricket. In a tweet, Imran said due to the efforts made by Central Punjab Cricket Association, 870 schools, 231 college grounds and 355 sports facilities have been developed across Punjab.

"I urge all provinces to focus on reviving sports and providing sports facilities for our youth," he added.

Pleased to review efforts of Punjab for revival of school cricket, esp role of Cent Punjab Cricket Assoc. 870 schools & 231 college grounds, 355 sports facilities developed across Punjab. I urge all provinces to focus on reviving sports & providing sports facilities for our youth

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) August 28, 2021

Mani 'honoured to lead PCB'

In a press release on its website, the PCB confirmed that Mani will not be the PCB chairperson for the next term.

"I am thankful to PCB Patron, Prime Minister Imran Khan and grateful to my colleagues on the PCB Board of Governors for their support during the past three years. We made significant progress in becoming a credible, transparent and professional organisation," said Mani in the statement.

“I want to thank the PCB team, all the PSL franchise owners and other stakeholders for their support during my three years in the office. It has been an honour to lead this great organisation and I hope I have made positive contribution in taking Pakistan cricket forward.

On the other hand, Imran appointed Ramiz Raja and Asad Ali Khan as the members of PCB Board of Governors for a three-year term. Following the appointment, Justice (r) Azmat Saeed, as the Election Commissioner, will announce the election schedule for the BoG to elect the 36^th PCB chairman.