ICC reforms: Ashraf seeks ‘unified stance’ in Singapore
PCB chairman leaves for ICC meeting regarding ‘Big Three’ draft proposal.
Zaka Ashraf said he will hold a separate meeting with the other two opposing boards soon after reaching Singapore. PHOTO: SHAFIQ MALIK/ EXPRESS
KARACHI:
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Zaka Ashraf reiterated his hopes for a ‘unified stance’ with Cricket South Africa (CSA) and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) over the ‘Big Three’ proposal.
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.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Zaka Ashraf reiterated his hopes for a ‘unified stance’ with Cricket South Africa (CSA) and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) over the ‘Big Three’ proposal.
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.