Who will become the Next PCB Chairman? Contesting Chairmanship in PCB: Zaka Ashraf vs. Najam Sethi

Who will become the Next PCB Chairman? Contesting Chairmanship in PCB: Zaka Ashraf vs. Najam Sethi

In a potential shake-up of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the current management committee led by Najam Sethi is nearing the end of its tenure. As the committee’s term comes to a close, Zaka Ashraf, a former board chairman and Sethi’s long-standing rival, emerges as the leading contender to replace him. This article delves into the history between Ashraf and Sethi, the recent developments in PCB leadership, and the implications for Pakistani cricket.

A History of Tussle | Who will Become the Next PCB Chairman?

Zaka Ashraf and Najam Sethi have a history of vying for the top position in the PCB. Back in 2013 and 2014, they engaged in a protracted legal battle for the coveted leadership role. Ultimately, the issue was resolved when former prime minister Nawaz Sharif removed Ashraf and appointed Sethi as the board chairman. However, the tables seem to have turned, as Ashraf now enjoys the support of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), while Sethi is backed by the Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N), both of which are part of the ruling coalition.

Recent Developments | Who will become the Next PCB Chairman?

On June 7, Sethi had a meeting with Pakistan’s prime minister, Shahbaz Sharif, to provide an update on the PCB’s progress over the past five months. Simultaneously, Ashraf held discussions with Ehsan ur Rehman Mazari, the federal minister for inter-provincial coordination (IPC), who acts as a conduit between the PCB and the government. As the IPC oversees sports in Pakistan, Mazari confirmed that Ashraf was being nominated for the position of PCB chairman.

Political Backing and Conflict of Interest | Who will become the Next PCB Chairman?

The government’s formation stipulated that parties within the alliance would have a say in nominating individuals for relevant positions. Considering the PPP’s affiliation with the IPC, it was expected that they would have their representative at the helm of the PCB. Mazari justified Ashraf’s nomination, stating that Sethi’s involvement in the election process as the head of the management committee posed a conflict of interest. This conflict arises from Sethi’s dual role as both a participant in the election and the committee’s leader overseeing the process.

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The Sethi-led Management Committee | Who will become the Next PCB Chairman?

Since Ramiz Raja’s removal as chairman and the scrapping of the PCB’s 2019 constitution in December of the previous year, Najam Sethi has been heading the management committee responsible for the board’s affairs. Initially granted 120 days, the committee’s primary objective was to reinstate the 2014 version of the PCB constitution, reintroduce the regional and services structure in domestic cricket, establish a board of governors, and elect a chairman.

International Expertise in Coaching Staff | Who will become the Next PCB Chairman?

One of Sethi’s notable achievements during his tenure as committee head was the hiring of a predominantly overseas coaching staff for Pakistan. Under his guidance, Mickey Arthur was appointed as part-time director of cricket, bringing in valuable international expertise to uplift Pakistan’s cricketing standards.

Challenges Faced by the Management Committee | Who will Become the Next PCB Chairman?

While the management committee was on the verge of completing its assigned tasks, it faced legal obstacles when several regional clubs raised concerns about the fairness of the election process. The complaints primarily targeted three members of the committee: Tanvir Ahmed, elected president of Larkana region; Gul Zada from Peshawar region; and Shakil Sheikh, a contender in Islamabad. These committee members, operating from the PCB headquarters, became central figures in the ongoing controversy.

The Road Ahead | Who will become the Next PCB Chairman?

Once the board of governors is established, the prime minister will exercise his discretion to nominate two individuals, one of whom will be elected as the PCB chairman through an electoral process within the board. With the imminent leadership change, Pakistani cricket stands at a crucial juncture, as the new chairman will have a pivotal role in shaping the future of the sport in the country.

Conclusion | Who will become the Next PCB Chairman?

The impending contest between Zaka Ashraf and Najam Sethi for the leadership of the PCB marks another chapter in their long-standing rivalry. As the management committee led by Sethi nears the end of its tenure, Ashraf, backed by the PPP, emerges as a strong candidate to take the reins of Pakistan cricket. The outcome of this contest will have far-reaching consequences for the PCB and its role in shaping the nation’s cricketing landscape. All eyes are now on the formation of the board of governors and the subsequent election of the new chairman, as Pakistani cricket eagerly awaits a new era under fresh leadership.

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