Zaka Ashraf said he will hold a separate meeting with the other two opposing boards soon after reaching Singapore. PHOTO: SHAFIQ MALIK/ EXPRESS
The official spoke at a press conference on the eve of his departure for Singapore to take part in the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) meeting on February 8.
A decision over the draft proposal by India, England and Australia to take charge of the ICC is expected to be made in Saturday’s meeting.
The ‘Opposing Three’ – PCB, CSA and SLC – have officially rejected the proposal after holding meetings with the officials of their respective cricket bodies following the January 28 conference in Dubai, where the issued was deferred.
Ashraf said he will hold a separate meeting with the other two opposing boards soon after reaching Singapore.
“We will try to take a mutual stand,” the chairman told reporters in Lahore.
“We will apprise the other two boards about our take on the issue.
“The purpose is to reach a unified stance in order to avoid misunderstanding among the three boards.”
When asked about PCB’s plans, Ashraf said, “We don’t want to show our cards at this stage.”
The chairman added that he had wished for a meeting with Patron Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for his valuable suggestion on the crucial issue, but that did not happen due to the premier’s busy schedule.
Ashraf reveals vision for cricket promotion
In a surprise move, the PCB chairman also revealed plans for the ‘betterment of cricket’.
He announced to revive the Pakistan Super League ‘with a bang soon after the Big Three issue settles’.
“We will also revive club cricket,” he said. “A proper database of cricketers will be created.
“Additionally, we will take steps to promote cricket on school level. By involving our legendary cricketers, we will form a system to encourage young boys and girls to take an active part in the game.”
He further added that programmes to train coaches would also be installed.
“A talent hunt will be launched all over Pakistan again.”
Meanwhile, the chairman also voiced that work for the preparation of next year’s World Cup will start soon.
“The 1992 cricket heroes, including Imran Khan, will be asked for assistance for the purpose.”
Published in The Express Tribune, February 7th, 2014.
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@Ch. Allah Daad:
Lol.........Your comments never stop to amuse me........... The voting is on 8th of feb and according to you why didnt he vote before the date? He stick to the opposition of the proposal from the day one. I think you are upset because the sweetheart of your PM "Sethi" is not president of PCB anymore
PM busy schedule.........???? Enjoying leasure time in deseart..........
@ Asad Hasan
Here is the genius throwing verdicts on Pakistan cricket and its establishment when he cant even pronounce PCB correctly.?
And thats the story of this country of 180 M rookies who think they are experts on everything.
Zaka Asharaf is the man. Sensible, calculated, honest, trustworthy and in control....just the kind of person PCB needs at the moment. Great job done by him on such a sensitive issue of "The Big Three" despite just back to position just a few days ago. Way to go Sir......i know whatever you will do will be for betterment of cricket in Pakistan. Pak Cric Fans trust you.
Zaka Ashraf must have a clear stance and plan of how he will respond. He is unfortunately not giving a good account of himself – Utmost Good Faith, Best interest etc is surely expected of the BCP Chairman and what’s the point of using these expressions in a Press Conf. Also if the patron is not meeting him, he should get the hint! How can we have a board chairman without the blessings of the Patron-in-Chief who also happens to be the PM of the country! All the old - tried, tested and failed faces are back at the helm of affairs. Shows Zaka's bent of mind.
We will do this, we will do that but reality is that you will do nothing. You are going there with empty hands. Why you have not taken these steps so far in your tenure?