Zaka Ashraf, a potential future chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), has recently made his stance clear by rejecting the hybrid model approved for this year’s Asia Cup.
His firm belief is that the entire tournament should be staged in Pakistan, and he is determined to have the decision reviewed once he assumes the PCB chairman position.
Zaka argues that the current model, which allocates major matches to other countries while minor teams like Nepal play in Pakistan, is unfair to Pakistan considering its role as the designated host nation.
PCB Chairman Election
The anticipation of Zaka Ashraf’s election as PCB chairman is high, following his appointment by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to the PCB Board of Governors.
Zaka acknowledges his lack of access to information regarding the decisions made by the previous management regarding the Asia Cup.
However, he emphasizes the urgency of addressing pending issues and ensuring that Pakistan’s cricketing agenda is pursued efficiently.
Once he officially assumes his role, Zaka plans to review the available information and take actions that align with the best interests of Pakistan.
Furthermore, he expresses a desire to engage with Indian leadership on this matter, highlighting his willingness to foster improved cricketing relations between Pakistan and India, despite the political complexities that have often overshadowed the cricketing ties between the two nations.
At present, there have been no official comments from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) or the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) regarding Zaka’s statements.
This suggests that the matter might not be revisited or altered at this stage.
Hybrid Model
The current hybrid model agreed upon by the PCB Interim Management Committee led by Najam Sethi was likely a compromise solution in response to the BCCI’s refusal to send its team to Pakistan, citing non-approval from the Indian government.
Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) Ehsan Ur Rehman Mazari has clarified that the PCB election commissioner will oversee affairs until the election of the new chairman.
This indicates a commitment to ensuring a smooth transition of power within the PCB.
Ehsan has expressed his intention to hold the elections before Eid-ul-Azha, with Zaka Ashraf being the likely candidate to assume the role of PCB chief following the elections.
Furthermore, India’s reluctance to tour Pakistan has been a longstanding issue, and Ehsan accuses India of politicizing cricket.
He urges India to abandon its stubbornness and suggests that if India refuses to visit Pakistan, Pakistan should reciprocate by not visiting India.
He proposes that if India chooses to play at a neutral venue, Pakistan should do the same, emphasizing the importance of fair play and equal treatment in cricketing engagements between the two nations.
Ehsan’s remarks shed light on the tensions and complexities surrounding cricketing relations between India and Pakistan, which often become entangled with political dynamics.
Zaka Ashraf’s rejection of the hybrid model and his determination to review and potentially modify the Asia Cup arrangements reflect his unwavering commitment to advocating for Pakistan’s cricketing interests.
His actions and decisions as the potential future PCB chairman will be closely watched, as they will shape the future trajectory of cricket in Pakistan.
It is noteworthy that the term of the PCB Interim Management Committee, led by Najam Sethi, ended on the night of June 19. This implies that any decisions made by the committee after that time hold no official status highlighting the impending change in leadership within the PCB.
Therefore, Zaka Ashraf‘s rejection of the hybrid model for the Asia Cup and his intention to review and potentially revise the tournament arrangements reflect his strong advocacy for Pakistan’s cricketing interests.
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As the anticipated future PCB chairman his appointment carries significant weight and signals a shift in the leadership of Pakistan cricket.
The Asia Cup’s current hybrid model, agreed upon by the PCB Interim Management Committee has sparked debates and concerns regarding fairness and equal treatment.
