PCB begins headhunt for anti-graft unit
Former captain Rashid Latif emerges as strong choice for the job.
“Rashid Latif has been offered more than one post, including anti-corruption unit chief, because of his untainted past,” said PCB official. PHOTO: AFP
KARACHI:
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is making efforts to rope in former skipper Rashid Latif in a bid to strengthen its anti-graft unit.
Currently, 45-year-old Latif – who was one of the whistleblowers of the match- and spot-fixing scourge in the 1990s – is in charge of the Port Qasim Authority cricket team. He has represented Pakistan in 37 Tests and 166 One-day Internationals (ODIs).
Following the International Cricket Council (ICC) guidelines, the PCB has hired top security and anti-corruption experts to keep an eye on domestic cricket and cricketers.
Notwithstanding the new arrangement, many believe that corruption and fixing is rampant in domestic cricket. Recently, Sialkot Stallions were accused of fixing their Faysal Bank T20 Cup match against Karachi Dolphins. Subsequently, the PCB formed a three-member inquiry team to probe into the allegation.
Sethi keen on getting Latif onboard
The incumbent PCB chairman, Najam Sethi, is looking for a candidate to head the anti-graft unit. And Latif is said to be on his list of choices.
“Sethi is keen on having Rashid Latif in one of the key anti-corruption posts due to his vast experience in international cricket,” a PCB official told The Express Tribune.
“Latif has emerged as an individual who is clean and vigilant. He keeps a watchful eye on both international and domestic cricket, therefore, he can play an important role in improving Pakistan cricket,” the official said. “He [Latif] has been offered more than one post, including anti-corruption unit chief, because of his untainted past.”
The official revealed that Latif is willing to take up the responsibility if given an assurance that action would be taken against offending players and officials.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 24th, 2014.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is making efforts to rope in former skipper Rashid Latif in a bid to strengthen its anti-graft unit.
Currently, 45-year-old Latif – who was one of the whistleblowers of the match- and spot-fixing scourge in the 1990s – is in charge of the Port Qasim Authority cricket team. He has represented Pakistan in 37 Tests and 166 One-day Internationals (ODIs).
Following the International Cricket Council (ICC) guidelines, the PCB has hired top security and anti-corruption experts to keep an eye on domestic cricket and cricketers.
Notwithstanding the new arrangement, many believe that corruption and fixing is rampant in domestic cricket. Recently, Sialkot Stallions were accused of fixing their Faysal Bank T20 Cup match against Karachi Dolphins. Subsequently, the PCB formed a three-member inquiry team to probe into the allegation.
Sethi keen on getting Latif onboard
The incumbent PCB chairman, Najam Sethi, is looking for a candidate to head the anti-graft unit. And Latif is said to be on his list of choices.
“Sethi is keen on having Rashid Latif in one of the key anti-corruption posts due to his vast experience in international cricket,” a PCB official told The Express Tribune.
“Latif has emerged as an individual who is clean and vigilant. He keeps a watchful eye on both international and domestic cricket, therefore, he can play an important role in improving Pakistan cricket,” the official said. “He [Latif] has been offered more than one post, including anti-corruption unit chief, because of his untainted past.”
The official revealed that Latif is willing to take up the responsibility if given an assurance that action would be taken against offending players and officials.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 24th, 2014.