Javed Miandad feels PCB sidelined Zaheer Abbas

Former Test cricketer thinks ICC nominee for presidency is capable of much more than just a ceremonial post holder

KARACHI: Pakistan legend Javed Miandad showed dissatisfaction with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) nominating former Test captain Zaheer Abbas for International Cricket Council (ICC) Presidency, believing he is capable of doing far more provided he is given a better role, reported Press Trust of India.

Miandad feels had he been offered a position to use his cricket experience, we could hope for the betterment of Pakistani cricket.

"I just get this feeling the PCB has sidelined Zaheer for one year as there was pressure on them to give former greats more responsibilities in the board,” said Miandad.

According to Miandad, Zaheer would have definitely been honoured by the offered position, but a man of his level and experience might not be the right man for this ceremonial position. His faith in Zaheer expected him at a much higher position where he could be a catalyst to big changes in Pakistani cricket.

"My only contention is that while it is an honour for Zaheer but is he the right man for this position?" Miandad asked.

"I can't understand why Najam Sethi had last minute change of mind and talked about sending a former player for this purpose. I personally feel the ICC President's job was the right one for Najam Sethi as it is a ceremonial post and has nothing to do with cricket. In the ICC in a ceremonial post Zaheer will be wasted.

"I think it is high time the government appointed a better management in the PCB because it shouldn't only be treated as a money making machine but also an institution that has to work for improving Pakistan cricket and cricketers," Miandad concluded.

Sethi, a former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman, last week announced he was withdrawing from the nomination for ICC President as sent by the PCB to the world body. Sethi took the line that since the ICC would be honoring former greats by making them President from 2016 onwards it was better they started the trend this year.