PCB Chairman appointment: Hearing adjourned to November 24

Petitioner argues that Ashraf was appointed on political consideration rather than merit.

LAHORE: Justice Sheikh Azmat Saeed of the Lahore High Court on Wednesday adjourned hearing of a petition challenging the appointment of Zaka Ashraf as Chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board.

The judge observed that a similar petition was already pending before the court and directed the registrar office to consolidate both petitions before the next hearing slated for November 24.

Advocate Tariq Asad filed the petition requesting a suspension of Ashraf’s appointment as the new PCB chairman. He said the respondent had no management experience and also did not have academic qualifications to hold this prestigious office.

He said Ashraf’s appointment was not on merit. He submitted that Zaka Ashraf was made PCB chairman purely on political consideration as he enjoyed a good relations with President Asif Ali Zardari.

Advocate Asad said as per the ICC rules direct appointments in a cricket board could not be made and the general body of the board will have the right to elect its chairman. He asserted that according to international cricket council (ICC), appointments on political basis could not be allowed in PCB.

He submitted that the board of directors had not recommended the name of Zaka Ashraf for chairmanship of the cricked board and federal government bypassed the board of directors. He requested the court to declare the appointment as an illegal and unconstitutional act. He also requested to restrain Zaka Ashraf from performing duties as the PCB chairman.