Zaka Ashraf plays down resignation talks
Reinstated PCB chairman takes charge; vows to only service cricket .
Newly-reinstated PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf has pledged to focus only on matters concerning cricket. PHOTO: PCB
KARACHI:
A day after his reinstatement by the Islamabad High Court (IHC), Zaka Ashraf once again took charge as Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman on Thursday in a bid to complete his four-year tenure.
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.
A day after his reinstatement by the Islamabad High Court (IHC), Zaka Ashraf once again took charge as Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman on Thursday in a bid to complete his four-year tenure.
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.