Not in the mandate: ECP expresses inability to conduct PCB elections

ECP says holding elections for PCB chairman is not part of its mandate.

LAHORE: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has expressed its inability to conduct the election of the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) Chairman, adding that it does not have the mandate to do so.

"PCB authorities contacted us on this issue in the light of the decision of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) but we have expressed our inability," ECP sources said on Monday.

"We can't conduct the election of Chairman PCB as it is not our mandate and that is why we have expressed our inability."

Sources said that ECP will maintain its position even if its opinion is sought in the court.

PCB officials, while confirming that a request had been sent to the ECP, claimed that the government body was reluctant to hold the elections, fearing that it would set a precedent that would bind it to hold elections in the future as well.

After ordering the removal of former PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf, having termed his appointment "dubious", the IHC had directed the cricket body to hold elections for a new chairman within 90 days.

Per the defined procedure, elected presidents of the regional and district bodies and representatives of departments affiliated with the PCB would be electing the new Chairman.