Just over a month after getting appointed as Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) chairman, Zaka Ashraf is set to step down from the position. Ashraf's predecessor Najam Sethi is likely to return to his old role amidst political developments in the country.
The reason behind the change is the transition of the present Pakistan government to a caretaker status on August 9. The Pakistan Election Commission informed the government of the removal of all political appointments to ensure a fair electoral process. The Ministry of Inter-Provinical Coordination (IPC) notified the Prime Minister's Principal Secretary of such appointments which includes Ashraf’s name.
The IPC note accessed by Sports Tak which is signed by Secretary Ahmad Hanif Orakzai has said, "Reference Election Commission of Pakistan letter No F-2(1)2023-Coord-vol dated 15th August, 2023 and Guidelines Notification No 2 (1)/2023-Coord dated 15th August, 2023 (Annex 1):
"In pursuance of para(g) of the notification ibid: "To ensure immediate termination of services of all heads of institutions headed appointed on political basis and to send all such cases to the commission for approval of termination or otherwise.
"Two cases pertaining to Ministry of IPC are submitted for consideration and appropriate orders please:
(i) Mr Zaka Ashraf (PPP), chairman, managing committee, Pakistan Cricket Board
(ii) Peer Syed Ahmed Nawaz Shah (PPP), chairman, Federation Land Commission (sic)."
Ashraf's departure may lead to chaos in PCB ahead of the Asia Cup and World Cup. In the last six few years, PCB has had four different chairmans including Ehsan Mani and former cricketer Ramiz Raja.
Asia Cup is just around the corner
In a week's time, Pakistan will host the Asia Cup 2023 opener against Nepal at Multan Cricket Stadium. They will host two more league matches followed by one Super Fours clash.
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