This confusion and infighting within PCB must end now for sake of cricket. The fact remains that India has persistently refused to play with Pakistan on neutral ground and this stance has more to do with politics and bias than on principles.
Mr Zaka Ashraf was a political appointee and like other politically nominated chairman, who preceded him, he is not a sport specialist, nor is Najam Sethi, or Tauqir Zia etc. Historically it has always been Patron, who nominated PCB Chairman and board members. It would have been wiser for Zaka to leave once his political godfather was out of office. Even choice of former cricketer Ejaz Butt, proved to be worse. The sham elections which outgoing chairman loudly proclaims, lacked credibility, for there exists no functional cricket councils in many regions and cities, except urban centres like Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Peshawar, Rawalpindi etc.
The breeding grounds and nurseries which once existed when schools existed with grounds, and matches were held between colleges and universities, with teams from Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Multan etc competing, attracting crowds and sponsorship. While population increased, even urban centres like Karachi have seen land allocated for amenity and public parks, such as Kidney Hill etc occupied by land mafia with support of political and military governments. A huge chunk of land owned and within control of Karachi’s National Stadium has fallen prey to greed of real estate mafia. The stadiums that exist are now being used to hold marriage functions, although rules do not allow this abuse.
Unfortunate reality of attractive perks, benefits of a financially strong PCB fell victim to greed of powerful cronies of successive governments. Enough damage has been done to cricket and it is time Patron performs his role by taking notice of matters. Now that Sethi has been reappointed, PCB needs to overhaul itself. There are quite a few former Test cricketers who are educated and have worked in administrative jobs in various corporations and in public sector. Some of them have been associated with ICC, having been selected as match referees. Men like Ehsan Mani, Nur Khan etc have served PCB well. Former cricketers who may have excelled with bat or ball, but lack communication and administrative skills serve no purpose if given key assignments. Let merit prevail and game of gentlemen flourish.
MALIK TARIQ ALI
Lahore
Why for God sake important appointments such as PCB Chairman and other heads of big departments are made controversial dubious and questionable. Najam Sethi's appointment as caretaker Chief Minister smelled fishy and now his repeat nomination to head PCB stinks even more. There are experienced capable men of international reputation such as Ehsan Mani and Arif Abbasi available who will do a lot better job yet ignored by the patron in chief. For the sake of good government democracy and fair rule of law our media should raise their voices every time an act of mis-rule such as this takes place.
You see this is what Nwaz Sharif is good at. To hell with TTP or rest of the country. He can charge with hooligans on Supreme Court, rig elections or fly over Murree hills in a State Helicopter fuelled by public money to see the construction of his new house in the hills which he may never be able to use!!!
I think the writer has a point in what he describes the underlying reason of state of cricket affairs in Pakistan. The real problem is that too much corruption has creeped in this game. PCB should emulate the example of other boards in the world. It should change its ways to serve the interest of Cricket.
Why these people quarrel over PCB Chairmanship ?. It is obvious to even a blind man. It is the money, and perks attached with the position, that attracts them like bees to suck the honey.
Zaka Ashraf was a lot better than any other past Chairman All of them were political appointees, and they brought the politics in the game. No one has been an exception to this rule. The present problem arose for the same reason. The present government wanted to appoint its crony , and that is what it has done exactly defying the Islamabad High Court orders.
But the thing is that Sethi still seems to be shaken. He tried to line up the past Chairmen of the Board. Tauqir Zia and Shareyar Khan stood behind him. for the photo session. Mr. Sethi should stop this charade and get on with the job in the right earnest. He should start sweeping the dead wood and streamlining the administration of the PCB.
They must leave the politics aside. and work for the glory of the gsme. All appointments must be made on the basis of merit.
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