Turmoil at the PCB

It seems that the country’s cricket authorities, much like its cricket team, are destined to stay on a course that is marked by confusion, instability and unpredictability. However, at least the cricket team is able to redeem itself with its exploits on the field on a frequent basis. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), on the other hand, has been unable to do much for its reputation and has failed to rid itself of the volatility that has blighted its existence ever since its inception. This has come into much sharper focus ever since former PCB chairman, Zaka Ashraf, was suspended following questions over the legality of his appointment. The interim chairman who took his place, Najam Sethi, has, so far, been unable to end the culture of ad hocism that has entrenched itself in the PCB. He was suspended by the Islamabad High Court from performing his duties on October 29 but just hours later, was reinstated by an appeals court, with another hearing scheduled for November 4.

As much as one might find fault with the way Mr Sethi has handled things at the PCB, his work has been cut out by the high court’s orders that have prevented him from performing his duties previously as well. Additionally, the court had also previously instructed the Election Commission of Pakistan to hold elections for the post of the board chairman. While it is important that elections are held at the earliest and any delay must be questioned, it is also important that this process is held according to the board’s constitution. At the same time, one fails to understand the reason behind the delay in holding the elections for board chairman. Mr Sethi should have made this a priority and ensured that all hitches that existed in carrying out this process were cleared as soon as possible and in a transparent manner. What we have seen, on the other hand, is a continuation of ad hocism at the PCB. For the sake of the health of the sport in the country, this must be put an end to.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 31^st, 2013.

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