Lahore, Pakistan: The Balochistan High Court has issued a stay order on the elections for the new Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman until July 17. The court’s decision came in response to a case alleging that the formation of the PCB governing board was in violation of the 2014 constitution. During the hearing, the court refrained from hearing arguments from the PCB and instead issued notices to all stakeholders to attend the next session.
In a series of developments, several writ applications were filed in Pakistani courts just 24 hours before the elections, seeking to suspend the entire process. The Lahore High Court accepted at least three petitions, which were consolidated into a single hearing and adjourned until Tuesday.
The PCB board consists of ten members, including two appointed by the Prime Minister and four regional representatives. These members are responsible for electing the new chairman through a voting process. The chairman of the PCB Board of Governors is chosen by the Prime Minister and serves three-year tenure. Zaka Ashraf, a prominent figure in Pakistani cricket, emerged as the clear favorite for the position.
Najam Sethi, who served as the temporary PCB Chairman, preceded Zaka Ashraf. The upcoming elections were meant to appoint a permanent successor to Sethi.
In a separate development, Zaka Ashraf expressed his opposition to the proposed hybrid model for the 2023 Asia Cup during a media interaction. The hybrid model, which combines T20 and ODI formats, has been met with resistance from various quarters, including Ashraf, who rejected the concept.
The stay order issued by the Balochistan High Court adds a layer of uncertainty to the PCB chairman election process. As the case progresses, it remains to be seen how the court’s decision will impact the future leadership of the PCB.
The Pakistan Cricket Board plays a crucial role in governing and promoting cricket within the country. The election of a new chairman holds significant importance for the cricketing fraternity and fans alike. The outcome of the legal proceedings and the subsequent election will shape the future direction of cricket administration in Pakistan.
The stay order has created anticipation and speculation among cricket enthusiasts, who eagerly await the court’s final decision on the matter. The proceedings will also provide an opportunity to examine the adherence to constitutional protocols in the formation of the PCB governing board.
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