New ICC president

Najam Sethi, the former chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), will start a new innings at the helm of the game when he takes over as president of the International Cricket Council (ICC) next year. Mr Sethi faced an arduous task in safeguarding Pakistan’s interests when the ICC unveiled the ‘Big Three’ plan earlier this year. The PCB, under Zaka Ashraf, had vehemently opposed the takeover of the sport by Australia, England and India, and there was a time when Pakistan was facing the ugly prospect of isolation from the game. The policy being followed by Mr Ashraf’s regime risked the cordiality of relations with the big cricketing powers and could have created problems for an already beleaguered cricketing nation, struggling to hold its own after the unfortunate suspension of international cricket at home. However, Mr Sethi managed to salvage the situation somewhat, and acquired a promise from the Indian board to stage lucrative bilateral series against India.

Admittedly, the role of the ICC president is a ceremonial one and Mr Sethi will not be enjoying huge powers in this capacity. However, the presence of a Pakistani at the top rung of the ICC will hopefully help in pursuing objectives laid out by the PCB. He has already played a significant role in getting the ICC to amend its anti-corruption code, which will allow talented fast bowler Mohammad Amir to return to domestic cricket before his five-year ban for spot-fixing runs its course. While there are varying opinions on whether his return is justified or not, the PCB did display its ability to get a significant decision in its favour. One hopes that Mr Sethi also focuses on bringing back international cricket to Pakistan. He should encourage the ICC to hold at least one of its annual meetings in the country next year so that the body gets a clear perspective on the improvement in the security situation — eventually paving the way for the return of international teams. It is clear that Pakistan cricket has a lot to gain if Mr Sethi plays his cards smartly at the ICC.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 13^th, 2014.

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