Alleging conspiracy: Some forces against the revival, says Ashraf

PCB chairman to keep working at bringing back top-flight cricket to the country.

KARACHI:

Zaka Ashraf said ‘some forces’ are working against the revival of international cricket in the country, insisting that he will continue working for the purpose in what is his biggest challenge as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman.

Ashraf had singled out the revival of international cricket as his priority when he took over the post from Ijaz Butt in October 2011. Despite repeated efforts, the PCB has failed to host top-flight cricket.

Ashraf said the planned Pakistan Premier League (PPL), which was postponed for an indefinite period, was receiving a positive response but the event fell prey to conspiracies.

“Some people I don’t want to name started working against us hosting the PPL,” said the PCB chairman. “These people started forcing other boards to decide against participating in the league. Then the players’ associations raised objections against the event which forced us to delay it as we were already facing security challenges.”



However, Ashraf said he was continuing efforts for the revival.

“The PPL plan is intact and we will organise it better at a suitable time. We are also in discussion with other boards on hosting a series and talks have been positive so far. We will unveil details after getting the confirmation.”

He added that the PCB had also engaged in a dialogue with the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) for a commitment regarding PPL.

“We will allow our players to feature in the forthcoming Caribbean League and, in return, the WICB will send its cricketers for the PPL.”

Jinnah-Gandhi series

The PCB chairman, who enjoys a good rapport with the Indian board, stressed for holding a series between Pakistan and India on regular basis.

“It should be named the Jinnah-Gandhi series and played on the Ashes pattern. People from both countries love the two teams playing each other and it will help in bringing the two nations closer.”

We will approach Miandad to assist batsmen: Ashraf

Ashraf, who reviewed the fast bowling camp currently underway at the National Stadium, also praised Wasim Akram for working with the young pacers.

“We are grateful to Wasim for working with our bowlers. I am hopeful this camp will prove fruitful. Our bowlers will show better performance at the ICC Champions Trophy.

“We will request batting legend Javed Miandad to work with our batsmen at the training camp in Abbottabad. The board is trying to arrange the best preparation for the event.”

Batting coach to be named soon

Ashraf also said the best available candidate will be chosen for the position of Pakistan batting coach.

“We will finalise and name the coach soon. The coach finding committee is still considering its options.”

Published in The Express Tribune, April 27^th, 2013.