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