Government bars PCB from organizing T10 League

The head of the PCB Management Committee, Zaka Ashraf, had devised a plan for the T10 League to be held in the country. Discussions were initiated with English Cricket County Middlesex, and plans were made for exhibition matches in Rawalpindi from January 24 to 26. A 40-member delegation, comprising both male and female cricketers and officials from England, was expected to visit Pakistan for this event, which also included the unveiling of the league's logo. Despite seeking government permission, it was not granted.

Sources revealed that a detailed project briefing was presented to the IPC Ministry by a five-member delegation in Islamabad. The budget for the exhibition matches was subsequently reduced to 28 crores. However, at the same time, the ministry sent a letter to PCB headquarters in Lahore, instructing them to limit activities to daily affairs, prohibiting the installation of chairs, solar panels, and fans in stadiums. Additionally, the ministry imposed restrictions on signing Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with any cricket board.

Meanwhile, Zaka Ashraf is set to preside over the PCB Management Committee meeting on Tuesday. During this meeting, a new governing board, comprising four representatives each from four departments and regions, will be established. Former Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif nominated Zaka Ashraf and Mustafa Ramday as government candidates. The first meeting of the governing board is anticipated within a week, during which chairmanship nominations will be received, potential objections will be addressed, and hearings will be conducted. Subsequently, the final list of candidates will be announced. Despite the customary trend of the Prime Minister's nominee assuming the chairmanship, the current circumstances deviate from this norm.