Zaka Ashraf is on the verge of making a comeback as the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Ashraf, who previously served as PCB chairman from 2011 to 2013, has emerged as a leading candidate for the top position in Pakistani sports following a shift in the country’s ruling political coalition. Najam Sethi, who held the position until Monday (June 19), is temporarily out of the PCB.
The country’s Prime Minister has appointed Ashraf, a well-connected businessman, to the PCB on Tuesday. The official appointment notice states, “The Prime Minister, as the Patron of the Pakistan Cricket Board and in accordance with Article 10 (1) (d) of the PCB’s 2014 constitution, is pleased to nominate the following individuals for appointment as Members of the Board of Governors of PCB.”
The second appointee is Mustafa Ramday, an advocate of the Supreme Court. According to PCB regulations, the newly appointed individuals become part of a 10-member Board of Governors, which subsequently elects the chairman. Given Ashraf’s support from one of the ruling coalition parties, his appointment as chairman is widely anticipated.
“It ultimately depends on the Almighty. Hopefully, things will work out well,” said a source close to Ashraf when asked about his chances of assuming the role of PCB Chairman.
The election for the chairman position is expected to take place within a week.
The change in leadership within the PCB was necessitated by the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), headed by Asif Ali Zardari Bhutto, a constituent of the ruling coalition, demanding the PCB position since they held the sports ministry. Sethi, the outgoing chief, belonged to the other party in the coalition, the Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N). Observers suggest that the PPP holds more influence in sports affairs, leaving the PML-N with no choice but to comply with the coalition’s demands.
Sethi was initially appointed for a four-month term in December 2022, which was later extended by two months, ending on Monday. Recognizing the volatile nature of the country’s political landscape, Sethi stepped aside.
“Salaam everyone! I don’t want to be a bone of contention between Asif Zardari and Shehbaz Sharif. Such instability and uncertainty is not good for PCB. Under the circumstances, I am not a candidate for the Chairmanship of PCB. Good luck to all stakeholders,” he announced in a social media post on Monday, virtually resigning.
The PCB has witnessed three leadership changes in the last six months, with Sethi replacing Ramiz Raja in December, and now Ashraf. However, the tenure of Zaka Ashraf may not necessarily be long-lasting. With the country heading into elections in October, another change cannot be ruled out unless the PPP returns to power.
