Another day, another drama in Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Just two months after Zaka Ashraf took charge of the PCB as the new chairman, removing Najam Sethi, the latter is likely to make a comeback. The reason? As Pakistan heads to general elections, the country’s Election Commission has asked the Shehbaz Sharif-led government to remove all political appointees. The fresh development comes just ahead of Asia Cup 2023 amid Pakistan Cricket central contract negotiations with Babar Azam & Co.
Zaka Ashraf was only confirmed as the caretaker PCB chairman on August 9. However, as things stand, his joy is short-lived. After Pakistan Election Commission informed the government of removing all political appointments, the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) notified the Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary. They identified Zaka Ashraf as one of the political appointments as per a Cricbuzz report.
“In pursuance of para(g) of the notification ibid: ‘To ensure immediate termination of services of all heads of institutions headed appointed on political basis and to send all such cases to the commission for approval of termination or otherwise,” Pakistan Election Commission noted.
IPC notified following appointments
- Zaka Ashraf (PPP), chairman, managing committee, Pakistan Cricket Board
- Peer Syed Ahmed Nawaz Shah (PPP), chairman, Federation Land Commission
It must be noted that all PCB chairpersons have been political appointments. As the chief patron of Pakistan Cricket Board, the Prime Minister has the right to nominate his candidate for the position.
Imran Khan brought in Ramiz Raja replacing Ehsan Mani. Najam Sethi replaced him in December 2022 before Zaka Ashraf replaced him in July. In last 6 years, PCB has had as many as 4 chairpersons, making it a chaotic affair.
Pakistan Cricket bosses since 2018
- Najam Sethi (August 2017-August 2018)
- Ehsan Mani (August 2018-August 2021)
- Ramiz Raja (September 2021-December 2022)
- Najam Sethi (December 2022-June 2023)
- Zaka Ashraf (July 2023 to Present)
Why change in PCB could be chaotic?
Pakistan are the official host of Asia Cup 2023. Babar Azam & Co will face Nepal in the opening match of Asia Cup 2023 in Multan on August 30. While Pakistan will host only four matches, Pakistan will still be the host in Sri Lanka. A change at this crucial time is detrimental to Pakistan cricket.
Zaka Ashraf recently visited Sri Lanka to oversee the preparations of both Sri Lankan venues as well as meeting Babar Azam & Co ahead of the Afghanistan series.
Furthermore, he also held discussions with Babar Azam & Co on the ongoing contract negotiations. Pakistani players have refused to sign the new contract, raising various concerns.
One of the concerns is instability in Pakistan Cricket Board. The players are playing without any contract for the last two months. Now, if there is another change in PCB, players may not sign the new contract. It will not fit well with PCB, especially with Asia Cup 2023 and World Cup 2023 — two important tournaments around the corner.
