Xtra Time Web Desk: Fresh trouble in Pakistan cricket as Najam Sethi withdraws from being considered as PCB Chairman, Zaka Ashraf is set to be new PCB Chief. Unlike Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been embroiled with political interferences over the years. The latest development highlights the same issue with Najam Sethi declaring his withdrawal from consideration for the position of Chairman of the PCB. Sethi, who is currently the head of the PCB Management Committee, tweeted his decision in the wee hours of Tuesday.
Najam Sethi stressed that he would like to stay away from the dirty politics and internal fights which will not do any good for Pakistan cricket. He also indicated that he does not want to become a bone of contention between Asif Zardari and Shehbaz Sharif.
“Salaam everyone! I don’t want to be a bone of contention between Asif Zardari and Shehbaz Sharif. Such instability and uncertainty are not good for PCB. Under the circumstances I am not a candidate for Chairmanship of PCB. Good luck to all stakeholders,” Sethi tweeted.
Zaka Ashraf, who is backed by Pakistan People’s Party is all set to take over as the Chairman of PCB, according to Ehsan Ur Rehman Mazari, the Federal Minister for Inter-provincial Coordination (IPC).
According to Mazari, Najam Sethi was nominated temporarily to oversee elections and reinstate the 2014 constitution at the request of PCB patron and PM Shehbaz Sharif. The management committee was initially given 120 days to complete its task of restoring the 2014 constitution. Sethi was given a further four-week extension which ends on June 20.
It goes to be seen what is the approach of new PCB Chairman about Pakistan Cricket Team’s participation in World Cup, whether they will play against India in Ahmedabad.