Ashraf-led PCB committee takes key decisions during inaugural meeting

Zaka Ashraf chaired the first meeting of Pakistan Cricket Board’s Management Committee on Thursday at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore. Director National Cricket Academy Zakir Khan and other officers warmly welcomed Ashraf on his arrival. At the beginning of the meeting, all the members of the management committee unanimously expressed their full confidence in Ashraf.

The members said that they will work together with Ashraf for the betterment of cricket, the appointment of Ashraf as Chairman Management Committee will bring laurels for Pakistan cricket. In the meeting, Chief Financial Officer Javed Murtaza briefed the members of the committee on the PCB’s budgetary affairs. The chairman of the management committee was also briefed on important issues including the constructions of stadia, central contracts of players.

Addressing the members, Ashraf said that his prime focus will be on the improvement of cricket and cricketers. He also emphasised on bringing transparency in the affairs of the cricket board. He provided reassurance to the members that grievances regarding the elections of the Regions and Associations will be redressed and he guaranteed transparent elections for the Regions and Associations.

Also, facilities will be improved for cricket fans which include upgradation of hospitality boxes and bringing improvement in Abbottabad, Hyderabad and Mirpur stadiums. Also keeping in mind, the longstanding desire of the cricket fans of Peshawar, the early completion of Arbab Niaz Stadium should be ensured so that the fans of Peshawar can also enjoy HBL PSL matches.

Ashraf mentioned that they will give full attention on the improvement of cricket and on the upcoming matters related to ACC Asia Cup and ICC World Cup.

During the meeting, Chairman also directed the Chief Operating Officer Salman Naseer to provide Inter-Provincial Coordination Ministry data for the audit.

At the end of the meeting, the management committee approved Zaka Ashraf, Salman Naseer and Faisal Hasnain as the PCB representatives to participate in the ICC meeting.