PCB chief embarks on mission to revive ties with other boards

Ashraf looks to meet officials of other countries on sidelines of ICC meeting.

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Zaka Ashraf has placed emphasis on improving ties with other boards as he leaves for Dubai tomorrow to take part in the International Cricket Council (ICC) meeting.

Ashraf, who will embark on his first official trip since taking over the PCB’s top post, said he was expecting to meet Indian and Bangladesh officials.

“I’m expecting to meet their officials and other boards as well,” said Ashraf. “I’ve sent letters to all the cricket boards and I’m hoping for a good response from them. It’s important to have friendly relations with them.”

PCB seeks role in spot-fixing inquiry

While speaking to reporters in Lahore, Ashraf termed the spot-fixing episode a disaster and said the ICC will be asked to include the concerned board in future investigations, should a situation arose.

“It’s unfortunate for Pakistan cricket,” he said. “[Salman] Butt, [Mohammad] Asif, and [Mohammad] Amir were really good cricketers and it was a huge loss.

“Corruption of any type will not be tolerated. I will ask the ICC to involve Pakistan in any probe against corruption. Hopefully, we will get along as we share the same concerns over it.”

Ashraf foresees bright future

The PCB chairman also praised the team’s Test-series triumph against Sri Lanka and saw a bright future for Pakistan ahead.

“Our team is playing good cricket. Hopefully they’ll also win the limited-overs series.”

‘Afridi’s selection made on merit’

To a query on former captain Shahid Afridi’s selection, the chairman said the all-rounder was included by the selection committee on the basis of his form and fitness.

“Afridi’s selection was not my decision,” he said. “I don’t interfere in any working committee of the PCB, neither I had done anything in his selection.

“He’s a talented player and has a good record and has been selected in the team after the decision was made by the selection committee.”

Ashraf also issued a strict warning to all the players and said that ‘grouping of any sort’ will not be tolerated. Former PCB chairman Ijaz Butt, in a three-year tenure, claimed that one of his biggest achievements was to curb player-power. WITH ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY FAWAD HUSSAIN

Published in The Express Tribune, November 11^th,  2011.