Ashraf determined to regain power

Suspended PCB chairman ponders premier lawyers to fight his case.

KARACHI: The opposition might be in the driving seat but Zaka Ashraf is determined to put up a strong fight against those challenging his election as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman.

According to an official close to Ashraf, the suspended PCB chief was considering premier lawyers to fight his case.

The Islamabad High Court (IHC), following a petition on Tuesday, had ordered Ashraf to stop working as the PCB chairman while terming the electoral process ‘dubious’.

The IHC will now hold the next hearing on June 13 and, according to the official, Ashraf will leave no stone unturned to fight his case.

“Ashraf is considering fielding a premier lawyer,” the official told The Express Tribune.



“He is considering renowned lawyers like senior advocate Supreme Court of Pakistan Abdul Hafeez Pirzada to lead the case.

“Imtiaz Siddiqui, a former Lahore High Court judge, may also take up his case.”

Under normal circumstances, Tafazzul Rizvi is expected to defend such cases. However, Rizvi is part of the PCB’s legal team and not the chairman’s. His participation, therefore, might be questioned as Ashraf will not be the incumbent PCB chief during the next hearing.

“But Tafazzul can defend the board’s constitution which has also been questioned since he has been a part of the whole process from its formation to its implementation.”

Ashraf’s election as PCB chairman under the new constitution faced strong challenge from several stakeholders after major cities were snubbed during the electoral process.

Sialkot and Faisalabad regions, besides former captain Rashid Latif, filed separate petitions, calling it a bogus election and questioned the new constitution and termed it undemocratic.

However, the PCB officials maintained the constitution was implemented following approvals from the International Cricket Council and the government.

‘PCB respects court decision’ 

PCB Director Wasim Bari said the board will accept any decision by the IHC on June 13.

“The board respects the court,” Bari told a press conference at the National Stadium yesterday. “Like in the country, democracy is also on the rise within the PCB after implementation of the new constitution which came into existence after fair means.”

The former wicket-keeper said the performance of the board under Ashraf has been satisfactory. “Pakistan team’s performance is most important which was better in recent times.”

Published in The Express Tribune, May 30^th, 2013.