KARACHI:
With the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ijaz Butt’s tenure due to end tomorrow, a delay in any sort of announcement by President Asif Ali Zardari, the board’s chief patron, over the chairman’s fate has fuelled speculations over the country’s most coveted sports post.
Butt took over the position from Nasim Ashraf on October 8, 2008 and will complete his term tomorrow, according to the notification issued on his appointment. However, no decision has yet been made of his extension, reappointment or a possible replacement and the indecision from the presidency has triggered divided rumours in the cricket fraternity.
“No decision has been made about Butt’s extension,” the President spokesperson Farhatullah Babar told The Express Tribune and kept all possibilities open by refusing to give any more details. The PCB chairman, in his recent interviews, has also decided against speaking on the matter. However, an official close to the PCB said a delay in decision will result in Butt carrying on his duties.
“Butt will continue to head the board if the situation prevails,” said the official. “He would not become defunct until the appointment of a new chairman despite an end to his tenure.”
Butt likely to attend ICC meeting
Meanwhile, an official in the PCB headquarters confirmed that Butt had continued to perform his routine duties and may represent the PCB in the ICC Executive Board meeting.
“The chairman is likely to attend the meeting,” said the official. “However, everyone is concerned about the future as any decision will affect a lot of people working in the board.”
Butt’s three-year tenure drew heavy criticism due to various unwanted incidents and controversies from former PCB bosses and ex-Test cricketers. However, the chairman also enjoyed support from many given his strict disciplinary policy and the introduction of new players in the squad.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 7th, 2011.
COMMENTS (9)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
Absolute nonsense. How can Butt be blamed for all ills affecting Paki cricket. Its like blaming the nanny for all the kids mistakes. The infighting, the fixing scandals, the indiscipline issues are what Butt inherited. They have been endemic issues with Pakistan as a Nation. The terror attack on the lankans was part of the affliction the nation has created and is suffering in the country as a whole.The subsequent boycott by playing nations was a reflex action and Butt could do nothing about it. For an outsider, I see Butt as the head master of an unruly school, doing his best with limited resources. Every time Pak has got an opportunity, they have performed well including in the world cup. The indiscipline issues have been handled with aplomb. Also by letting the law take its course in the fixing issue Butt has shown he is grounded and realistic. He did not act emotionally or with a " holier than thou " attitude. For an outsider and a follower of Paki cricket, Butt is the anchor in the storm and I hope he gets an extension for a long time.
GO BUTT SAHAB GO
All Newspapers in Pakistan Should Address Ijaz Butt as Former PCB Chaiman because after 8th October 2011 he will no longer remain as a Legal PCB Chairman.
He should go.
GO GO GO I hope he will be GONEejaz butt shuld be replaced otherwise pak cricket's downfall will continue