Newly-reinstated PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf has pledged to focus only on matters concerning cricket. PHOTO: PCB
The chairman met the board’s officials upon his return to the PCB headquarters in Lahore in order to discuss ongoing cricket affairs.
Ashraf was restored to his post by a two-member bench of the IHC comprising Justice Riaz Ahmed Khan and Justice Noorul Haq Qureshi on Wednesday.
It had been speculated that the PCB chairman was planning to resign with honour as his restoration meant the ouster of Najam Sethi, who was handpicked by PCB patron Prime Minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif.
However, Ashraf dismissed talks of his resignation when asked whether he had made an agreement with the PM in regards to this conjecture.
“I haven’t met the PM, but I would like brief him on the game,” said Ashraf.
“I cannot say anything about the future as no one can predict that, but for now the court has restored me as the elected chairman for four years in the light of the constitution.”
Meanwhile, the PCB chairman further stated that he had no intentions of being involved in political victimisation, stressing on prioritising cricket only.
“I have forgiven those who conspired against me. I have no issues against Sethi or anyone else. I will try to take all the stakeholders on board to improve the game.”
Ashraf seemed unperturbed when asked about the chances of appeal against his restoration at the Supreme Court, and said he would accept any court decision with an open heart.
‘Pakistan squad to undergo fitness tests’
The PCB chairman added that he would soon hold a meeting with senior PCB officials for a number of decisions such as the appointment of a coach and chief selector.
Ashraf stated that the pending announcements for the ICC U19 World Cup and World Twenty20 (preliminary squad) will be made shortly.
To a query regarding team captain Misbahul Haq’s appointment till the 2015World Cup by Sethi, Ashraf subtly termed it a premature decision.
“Misbah is currently very fit, but he will undergo a fitness test before the tournament like every other player.
“[Mohammad] Hafeez is also going good as the Twenty20 captain, but the player will also need to undergo a fitness test.”
Published in The Express Tribune, January 17th, 2014.
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Mr Ashraf appointment is fair and he was before selected on merit according to ICC Constitution he really have done a good work we can talk according to the facts and figures. 1. In his tenure Pakistan won Asia Cup 2. Pakistan performance was tremendous and won many series. 3. Nodero cricket stadium with helipad and hotels and full security for reviving international cricket in Pakistan 4. Pakistan India Cricket series in India after the Mumbai attack. 5. PCB constitution was amended first time according to ICC requirement. 6. Regional Election were done much more done by him and you are saying that he is not worth tell me that who else have done this much things for the board .
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I think these news items are enough for any sane person to wonder: why in the world are we playing CRICKET when no foreign team is even ready to tour Pakistan. Matches are being played in front of empty stadiums – and our players need VISA – which is sometimes denied to play in our NEUTRAL Home Ground – The UAE. The amount of money being spent for what is in the end just an entertainment is ridiculous and for something our home crowds cannot even watch. The BCP Management should seriously consider a Sabbatical from all cricket activities till all matters are sorted out including: a) The BCP Chairman position is settled. b) The BCP constitution is implemented. c) Foreign tours are on again and our team can play on our grounds instead of so called neutral venues.
A professional and experienced chairman is the need of the hour. Both Zaka and Sethi are political appointees. Both had no knowledge of such sport. Unfortunately PM or President never ever realizes that this sport need a competent and professional person of high repute. They think this a useless yet lucrative post and hand over to their blue eyes people at cost of that sports. PCB need a genuine professional and capable person through honest criteria of selection. Only a that person can dictate the terms and force the players to act professionally.
My message to Mr. Ashraf is let merit prevail and please appoint sensible coach and chief selector. Victimisation or making someone scapegoat will create further turmoil in PCB. My advise to Najam Sethi and his supporters are please accept the decision and support Zaka Ashraf.
I hope sensibility will prevail from all sides! Good Luck Zaka and Good Luck PCB.