Faisal Hasnain appointed as PCB CEO for three years

Faisal Hasnain, the former ICC Chief Financial Officer, has been appointed as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) CEO for three years, replacing Wasim Khan, who resigned earlier this year. Wasim’s tenure was set to end officially in February 2022, however, it was learnt that he was disappointed after his powers were curtailed by new PCB chief Ramiz Raja, leading to his resignation.

As for the 62-year-old Hasnain, who will take charge from January 2022 onwards, an administrative role is nothing new. He previously served as the managing director of Zimbabwe Cricket until 2018, while he also served to the apex cricketing body ICC twice (2002-08 and 2010-17) in the capacity of CFO.

“I am delighted to confirm the appointment of Faisal Hasnain as the PCB’s Chief Executive and welcome him to Pakistan cricket family,” PCB chief Ramiz Raja said in a statement.

“Faisal is a familiar figure in world cricket and is highly regarded, respected and trusted for his excellence in corporate governance, financial management and commercial acumen. With the plans I have for the PCB, Faisal will be a perfect fit as he can utilise his vast experience and knowledge to help us achieve our commercial and financial objectives of making Pakistan cricket bigger and stronger.”

Fully committed to playing my part in delivering to Pakistan cricket: Faisal Hasnain

During his stint with ZC, Hasnain worked to rebuild their cricketing structure, which was hit was under massive financial debts and various irregularities including governmental intervention, which even led the ICC to suspend the nation.

He managed to secure the hosting rights for hosting the 2019 World Cup Qualifiers, but later resigned citing the nation’s failure to qualify for the 2019 event. With ICC, he was involved in the sales of the ICC commercial rights cycles 2007 to 2015 and 2016 to 2023.

A UK-qualified Chartered Accountant by profession, Hasnain said that he is keenly looking forward to this “once in a lifetime opportunity”.

“I feel honoured and privileged to have been awarded with this once in a lifetime opportunity to serve Pakistan cricket and thank the PCB Chairman and the Board of Governors for having the confidence in my capabilities,” he said.

“I am fully committed to playing my part in delivering the PCB Chairman’s vision for Pakistan cricket, fulfilling the expectations and dreams of millions of passionate Pakistan cricket fans and strengthening the relationships with our existing commercial partners, the ICC and other Cricket Boards and developing new partnerships as we move forward.

“These are highly exciting times in Pakistan cricket and I look forward to working very closely with my colleagues at the PCB so that we can collectively further enhance the image, reputation and profile of this great institution.”