Zaka Ashraf to become new PCB chairman after Najam Sethi pulls out of race

Zaka Ashraf is all set to make his return as the head of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after Najam Sethi decided not to run for the spot. Interestingly, Ashraf headed the governing body from 2011-13 and will now be making his return after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced his name as the next leader of Pakistan cricket. 

Other than Ashraf’s appointment, Mustafa Ramday, an advocate of the Supreme Court, too has been given an important role in helping PCB grow. Notably, as per law, the newly-appointed individuals will be part of a 10-member Board of Governors, which then elects the new chairman of the council. However, given Ashraf’s influence and the backing of the leading party, it is very much expected that he will be the next PCB chairman.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sharif has already confirmed the development and appointed Ashraf and Mustafa as the Members of the Board of Governors of PCB.

“The Prime Minister, in his capacity as Patron of the Pakistan Cricket Board and in accordance with Article 10 (1) (d) of the PCB's constitution 2014, is pleased to nominate the following individuals for appointment as Members of the Board of Governors of PCB,” the official communication read as quoted by Cricbuzz.

Notably, the election is expected to take place at the end of June. Pakistan People's Party (PPP), headed by Asif Ali Zardari Bhutto was very vocal about a change in the leadership as former chairman Najam Sethi belongs to the rival group (Pakistan Muslim League). Significantly, he was appointed for four months but his contract was expanded by two more months in order to solve the Asia Cup dilemma and once it was solved, Sethi decided to step away from PCB.

“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 Chairmanship of PCB. Good luck to all stakeholders," Sethi tweeted about his resignation on Monday.

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 Chairmanship of PCB. Good luck to all stakeholders.

— Najam Sethi (@najamsethi) June 19, 2023