Islamabad, 4 November, 2023 (GNP): During an interview interim Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar, addressed questions regarding the tenure of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief, Zaka Ashraf.
The Prime Minister stated that the decision regarding Zaka Ashraf’s future as the Chairman of the PCB Interim Management Committee would be made after the conclusion of the ongoing ICC World Cup.
Prime Minister Kakar clarified that his recent meeting with former Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Afridi was a “social meeting” and not connected to Ashraf’s tenure.
As the patron of the PCB, Prime Minister Kakar is scheduled to decide on November 5 whether to extend or replace Zaka Ashraf, whose four-month term as Chairman is set to expire on that date.
A summary concerning this matter has been submitted to the Prime Minister by the Ministry of Inter Provincial Coordination.
Regarding the possibility of extending Ashraf’s term, Prime Minister Kakar explained, “You know a tournament is underway, and we will see what needs to be done on this issue after the tournament is over. At the moment, I do not think we will make some big decision because at times you have to work according to the doctrine of necessity. Let us get over with the World Cup, and then we will see.”
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These comments have come amid Pakistan’s challenging performance in the ICC World Cup in India. Additionally, other issues, including concerns about player power and alleged involvement of the now retired chief selector (Inzamamul Haq) with players’ agencies, have marred the PCB’s reputation during the past four months.
It is worth noting that Mustafa Ramday and Zulfiqar Malik, both sitting members of the incumbent PCB set-up, have raised objections regarding alleged unconstitutional actions within the current PCB structure.
As Pakistan navigates these developments, the interim Prime Minister assured that the caretaker government would uphold the principles of transparent, free, and fair elections.
