Return of international cricket: Ashraf criticises May’s remarks

PCB chairman asks FICA official to stop discouraging other countries.

KARACHI:

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Zaka Ashraf criticised the statement issued by Federation of International Cricketers Association (FICA) Chief Executive Officer Tim May after the Australian said that the sport’s world governing body should postpone Bangladesh’s proposed series in Pakistan.

May’s statement came after the International Cricket Council (ICC) Cricket Executives Committee said that it had agreed to recommend non-neutral officials for the series in case security apprehensions do not allow the body to send its officials.

However, May said that the ICC needed to postpone the series and not contemplate adjusting its rules.

May’s statement was also criticised by former players who have said the world needed to think positively after concerted efforts by Pakistan to revive international cricket in the country.

“The Fica should play a positive role in the promotion of cricket in the whole world,” Ashraf told The Express Tribune. “Fica should form an International XI and bring a team of former cricketers to play against Pakistan here rather than trying to discourage other countries that want to bring out Pakistan from international cricket isolation.”

Former player Zaheer Abbas also lashed out at May’s remarks. “A catastrophe happened with the Sri Lankan team and Pakistan got the punishment.

“It’s time that ICC and other countries start thinking positively. We should not give value to May’s statement. People should consider the efforts the PCB and the Pakistan government are making.”

Meanwhile, Basit Ali, another former player, said that there are officials in the Fica who cannot bear to see the return of international cricket in Pakistan.

“The entire nation is waiting and the ICC should support the cause because we enjoy one of the biggest fan-base in the game.”

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