Lahore: According to ESPNcricinfo, Zaka Ashraf has been appointed as the new chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) ten-member management committee for a period of four months. The decision comes as the Prime Minister of Pakistan approves the formation of a new PCB management committee amidst a delay in the election process due to ongoing legal disputes.
The PCB elections were originally scheduled for June 27, but they were postponed due to multiple writ petitions filed by former management committee members in various high courts challenging the formation of the governing body. The Balochistan High Court has issued a stay order on the election of the new Pakistan Cricket Board chairman until July 17. The court is currently examining a case that claims the governing board of the PCB was formed in violation of the 2014 constitution.
To address the legal issues and ensure the smooth functioning of the PCB, the Ministry for Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) proposed the formation of a new management committee for a period of four months. In its summary to the Prime Minister, the IPC cited the inefficiency of Ahmed Shehzad Farooq Rana, the incumbent election commissioner of the PCB, as one of the reasons for the litigation.
The ministry recommended the removal of Rana from his position and the appointment of Mahmood Iqbal Khakwani, Advocate Supreme Court of Pakistan, as the new commissioner of the PCB. The proposal aims to remove the difficulties arising from the current scenario and ensure seamless and efficient management of the PCB, especially considering the upcoming international cricket events and major decisions at the International Cricket Council.
The PCB board consists of ten members, including two members selected by the prime minister, four regional representatives, and four service representatives. These members will vote to elect the new chairman of the PCB. The chairman, chosen by the prime minister, serves a three-year term. Zaka Ashraf, the newly appointed chairman of the management committee, was the clear favourite for the position.
Najam Sethi was the last PCB chairman, but his appointment was temporary. With the formation of the new management committee under the leadership of Zaka Ashraf, the PCB aims to address the legal disputes surrounding the election process and ensure effective governance and management of Pakistan cricket during this interim period.
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