Zaka Ashraf set to return as PCB chairman

Zaka Ashraf is all set to return as the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Ashraf, who headed the PCB in 2011-13 period, has emerged as a contender for the top sports post in Pakistan following a change in the political coalition ruling the country. Najam Sethi, the PCB chief until Monday (June 19), is out of the PCB, at least temporarily.

On Tuesday, the country's Prime Minister appointed Ashraf, a well-connected businessman, to the PCB. The official appointment communique states, "The Prime Minister, in his capacity as Patron of the Pakistan Cricket Board and in accordance with Article 10 (1) (d) of the PCB's constitution 2014, is pleased to nominate the following individuals for appointment as Members of the Board of Governors of PCB."

The second appointment is that of Mustafa Ramday, an advocate of the Supreme Court. According to PCB rules, the newly-appointed individuals become part of a 10-member Board of Governors, which then elects the chairman. With Ashraf having the backing of one of the ruling coalition parties, his appointment as the chairman is widely anticipated.

"It ultimately depends on the Almighty. Hopefully, things will work out well," said a source close to Ashraf when asked about is chances of assuming the role of PCB Chairman.

The election is expected to take place within a week.

The change in leadership within the PCB was necessitated by the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), headed by Asif Ali Zardari Bhutto, a constituent of the ruling coalition, demanding that the PCB position be allocated to them since they held the sports ministry. Sethi, the outgoing chief, belonged to the other party in the coalition, the Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N). Observers suggest that the PPP wields more influence in sports affairs, leaving the PML-N with no choice but to comply with the demands of the coalition.

Sethi was initially appointed for four months in December 2022. His term was extended by two months and it ended on Monday. Knowing the volatile situation in the country's political set-up, Sethi stepped aside.

"Salaam everyone! I don't want to be a bone of contention between Asif Zardari and Shehbaz Sharif. Such instability and uncertainty is not good for PCB. Under the circumstances I am not a candidate for Chairmanship of PCB. Good luck to all stakeholders," he said in a social media post on Monday announcing his virtual resignation.

The PCB has seen three changes in the last six months. Sethi replaced Ramiz Raja in December and now Ashraf. However, the Zaka Ashraf arrangement may not necessarily last too long. With the country expected to go into the elections in October, another change is not ruled out, unless of course the PPP comes back to power.