Ijaz Butt: Closer to D-day

PCB chief will stay in office if President stays mum over key post.

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 7^th, 2011.