LHC directs PCB to file reply on Zaka Ashraf's appointment

Petitioner challenges Ashraf's appointment, cites ICC rules which forbid an un-elected chairman from taking charge.

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court Chief Justice on Thursday gave the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) counsel to file a reply to a writ petition challenging the appointment of Zaka Ashraf as chairman of PCB.

The chief justice adjourned hearing of the petition for a date to be fixed by the court office.

Advocate Tariq Asad had requested the court to suspend the appointment of Ashraf as the new PCB chairman claiming the respondent had no administration experience nor did he hold prerequisite educational qualifications to hold the prestigious office.

He contended that Ashraf’s appointment was political and not on merit since Ashraf was a member of central executive committee of ruling Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and enjoyed a good relation with the patron of the board, President Asif Ali Zardari.

Advocate Asad said as per International Cricket Council (ICC) rules direct appointments in a cricket board could not be made and the general body of the board had the right to elect its chairman. He asserted that under rules of ICC appointments on political basis could not be done.

He submitted that the board of directors had not recommended the name of Zaka Ashraf for chairmanship of the cricked board and in his appointment the federal government had sidestepped the board of directors.

Asad requested the court to declare the appointment as illegal and unconstitutional. He also requested to restrain Zaka Ashraf from performing duties as chairman PCB.