“…involved in corruption, committing irregularities and serious violation of law and indulging in favouritism and discrimination.”
This is the introduction to Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) new chairman Zaka Ashraf, at least according to a petition filed against him in the Supreme Court by a senior officer of the Zarai Taraqiati Bank Ltd (ZTBL) of which Ashraf is the serving chairman.
Quite an enviable track record (details here), one of Ijaz Butt proportions perhaps.
To Butt’s credit though, he has not been accused of corruption and violation of law just yet, only bad administration.
Ashraf is reputed to be a close friend of the President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari, the Patron of the PCB, so the appointment might not come as a surprise to some, but the decision seems to be an unwise one considering the new International Cricket Council ruling which states:
“The ICC Annual Conference unanimously supported a proposal to amend the ICC Articles of Association to provide for the important principle of free elections and the independence of member boards.
“It was agreed that all member boards must implement the provisions before annual conference in June 2012 and a further 12 months (to June 2013) would be allowed before any sanctions would be considered. It was noted that it was a well-established principle of modern sporting governance that national federations should be autonomous and free from interference from government in the administration of their affairs.”
So at best, Ashraf is a stop-gap appointment, and that too with a lot of alleged baggage.
Hours after his appointment, the new PCB chairman claimed that he would cleanse the game of corruption and scandals.
But can an individual who has apparently failed to deliver in one position of power, be inspirational in another?
With no cricketing background and administration the only criteria to judge by, is Ashraf a logical choice?
Dawn.com invites its readers to give their views and suggestions.
His actions show that Zardari has nothing but contempt for cricket lovers in Pakistan.
Asong as top most corrupt and uneducated people are voted in the office by the people of Pakistan, the fate of Pakistan cannot be changed.
In desparate times like these….any change is better….besides whats the worst he can do? sack a captain after he wins you a world championship? or even makes it to the world cup semis?
Sit back while a visiting team gets sprayed with bullets? Keep the facilities across the country in the same sorry state as ever despite receiving 18million dollars from the ICC? Let’s see should be fun….I mean I can’t wait to see how Zaka will top Butt.
I dont think Butt was NOT corrupt or did NOT violate law. During his tenure, key members of Pakistan team colluded to oust Younis Khan and then Afridi. Kamran Akmal the worst keeper in Pakistan history kept on retaining his place last three or four years. Key members of Pakistan team, surely including, Kamran and Umar Akmal colluded to deny Pakistan of a victory in Sydney test. Younis khan, arguably the most upright member was made to sit out of the team and watch them get spanked by England. Salman Butt was made a captain and chances are that if he had not been caught with his pants down, would have gone on to lead ODI and T20 teams as well……I am hundred percent sure Ijaz Butt was involved in most of this mess, and made a lot of money by looking the other way while Akmals, Butt, Asif, Shoaib and Co. were making money.
So true. I guess you mean Shoaib Malik (not Akhter).
Already we are sliding down rapidly in hockey, squash and other sports, so cricket is also bound to face the same fate eventually.
When will this end…
As long as you get a free ticket for Cricket matches, it is good. Do not buy it by paying from your pocket. Do not waste you time watching it on TV; all matches are fixed.
“To Butt’s credit though, he has not been accused of corruption and violation of law just yet, only bad administration.”
Maybe this is the other way around – he’s corrupt but a Mourinho-esque machine of a man who whips Pakistan into shape while also using his graceful control of global betting syndicates to orchestrate a massive loss for the BCCI and their eventual downfall after which he inducts China into a cash-strapped ICC and uses their clout to bring cricket back to Pakistan.
Shame on us as we sit silently and watch our blessed country go down the drain right in front of our eyes
Well said.
The qualities stated are sufficient for zardari choice.
Obsolutely correct summary of the whole story. No further comments needed i think.
perfect words to conclude the whole senario. totally agree.
What do you expect from a cpresident like Zardari, It appears that Pakistan cricket will go down even further in these two years (hopefully till 2013 when the ICC Guidelines falls in place).
What else can we expect from Mr Zardari.
This president has left no single department/service without ruining it.
Ramy,
I won’t be surprise PPP or PML(N) comes back in next election with majority!