Amir’s rehab a possibility: Ashraf

PCB chief says board will consult with ICC before acting.

KARACHI:

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Zaka Ashraf has hinted that the board may consider providing a rehabilitation process for Mohammad Amir after he returns to Pakistan, providing the International Cricket Council (ICC) approves the initiative.

Speaking at the ‘Meet the Press’ arrangement at Karachi Press Club yesterday, the PCB chief confirmed that an initiative may be launched once the ‘talented’ fast-bowler is released in order to keep him active until his five-year ICC ban ends.

“Amir is a talented cricketer,” said Ashraf. “We may consider working on him with experts and psychiatrists to keep him motivated until his ban ends. However, we’ll check if there are any ICC restrictions on that before taking such a step.”

Zaka, however, ruled out any chances of the board’s support for the banned trio in their appeal against the ICC bans.

“These players brought shame to Pakistan and the board will not support them in their appeals.”

Whatmore not certain as coach yet

Meanwhile, the chairman dispelled impression and reports that the former Australian cricketer Dav Whatmore was finalised as head coach, saying that the coach-hunt committee was yet to forward its suggestions to him.

“The committee hasn’t given its suggestions yet. It’s still in the process and nothing has been finalised on Whatmore yet.”

Ashraf, in an interview last week, termed the interim coach Mohsin Khan ‘unqualified’ to take on the position full-time, saying that the former Test cricketer was a respectable figure and his application was also under consideration.

“Only the best option for the team will be taken.”

Ashraf added that the task of grooming Misbahul Haq’s replacement will be one of the chief tasks that the new coach will be handed.

“Misbah is performing very well as the captain at the moment. It’s not a matter of urgency but it will be the new coach’s duty to find his replacement.”

Fans’ interest behind talks with India: Ashraf

While defending his desperation to revive bilateral series against India, the chairman said it was the fans’ interest of seeing a Pakistan-India series that prompted him to call for talks with the Indian cricket board.

“It is not that we are under the Indian board. I took the initiative in the interest of cricket fans who want both countries playing each other. I want friendly relations with all boards and calls for talks were part of that.”

He added that the Indian board was also interested in revival of ties but the matter was still between the two governments.

Ashraf hopes Bangladesh will tour

Responding to concerns shown by Bangladesh cricketers’ association on touring Pakistan this April, Ashraf hoped the tour will go on as proposed.

“The Bangladesh board has assured us that it will keep its promise. Their security team’s visit will be crucial. We’ve started taking measures for the tour and I hope they’ll come because the security situation has improved.”

He said that the PCB may also work on the idea of hosting an ICC combined-eleven before the Bangladesh team tours.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 11^th, 2012.