PCB chief in talks with ex Test cricketers

Lahore: The newly-appointed chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, Chaudhary Zaka Ashraf, on wednesday held talks with  some former cricketers ahead of assuming his duty later this week.


President Asif Ali Zardari, chief patron of the PCB, on Tuesday appointed Ashraf to the prestigious post replacing Ijaz Butt,who completed his three year tenure as Chairman last week. He appparently spoke to former test batsman, Basit Ali and some other players including former Pakistan spinner, Masood anwar in his first attempt to get a feel of new responsibility given to him by the president Asif Zardari." one of the sources told PTI.

Basit was among the crcketers who did not share a cordial relationship with former chairman and was dropped from the selection commitee last year.

Ashraf heads a state owned bank(ZBTL),is close friend of president and it is learnt the former gave his consent for the top job only after being forced by Zardari, the source revealed.

Ashraf,besides heading the ZBTL,is a prominent businessman primarily in the sugar and wheat industry and was
initially reluctant to accept the PCB Chairman post,"the source said.

With the board getting the new Chairman there are also indications that former Pakistan captain,Shahid Afridi,might take back his  retirement decision.

The flamboyant cricketer announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket in MAY after being removed from ODI captaincy.

Afridi had critised the board and its officials and had claimed he could not plaied under the current setup.

The retirement,however, in recent times has maintained that he is keen to play for Pakistan and will make an announcement on his retirement at the right time.

 The right time appears to have come for afridi,who had little chance of  playing for Pakistan untill Butt was Chairman
because of the deep differences between them over several issues,"the source said. 
He informed that there are bright chances for Afridi,who was in consultation wtih relatives and friends taking back his decision in next 48 hours.

Meanwhile,there are also indications that former Test captain,Zaheer Abbas,who was also in contention for chairman's position might be appointed as cheif operating officer of the board,a source said.

Zaheer has been in Islamabad for the last few days lobbying to become board Chairman and interior minister rehan malik is one of the strongest supporters.After Zaka Ashraf's appointment,Zaheer has been told to be prepared to work as COO in the board,"the source said.

interestingly another former great,Javed Miandad is already working as directer -general cricket in the PCB.


source:cricket next.