PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf Steps Down

• Zaka Ashraf resigns as PCB Chairman.
• Controversy over blocked IMC meeting for Board of Governors.
• Ashraf cites achievements: boosted ICC contributions, historic India visit, and top ODI ranking for Pakistan.

Zaka Ashraf, the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s Interim Management Committee (IMC), has tendered his resignation from the position just two weeks before the scheduled expiry of the IMC’s tenure. The announcement came during the fourth meeting of the PCB’s IMC at Lahore’s National Cricket Academy.

Ashraf’s decision to step down follows a recent controversy where the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) disallowed him from convening an IMC meeting, preventing the formation of the Board of Governors (BoGs). This step was crucial as it marked the initial stage in the process of holding elections for the PCB chairman for a three-year term.

During the meeting where he announced his resignation, Ashraf expressed gratitude to caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar for the confidence and trust placed in him. He also extended his best wishes and prayers for the betterment of Pakistan and its cricketing future.

In his farewell, Ashraf highlighted several milestones achieved during his tenure, including a substantial increase in PCB contributions from the International Cricket Council, the historic visit of the Board of Cricket Control of India to Pakistan, Pakistan securing the number one spot in ICC one-day international rankings, hosting the Asia Cup after a 15-year hiatus, and reaching an accord with Cricket Australia on player development.

The resignation adds to the recent administrative upheavals within the PCB. On December 20, 2022, Ramiz Raja held the position of PCB chairman until he was removed by then Prime Minister and PCB patron Shehbaz Sharif. Shehbaz Sharif subsequently appointed an 11-member IMC, led by Najam Sethi, which served until June 20, 2023. Following this, another 10-member interim committee, chaired by Zaka Ashraf, was formed on July 5, 2023. In November of the same year, the IPC ministry granted a three-month extension to the Ashraf-led body.

IPC Minister Fawad Hasan Fawad confirmed that Ashraf’s resignation had been sent to PM Kakar, who serves as the PCB patron-in-chief. Fawad also mentioned that the ministry had been closely monitoring PCB affairs based on government instructions, overseeing matters such as the Pakistan Super League schedule and inquiring about activities beyond the board’s day-to-day affairs.

Zaka Ashraf’s departure adds a new layer of uncertainty to the PCB’s leadership, raising questions about the path forward and the impending process of electing a new chairman.

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