Former PCB Management Unhappy With Zaka Ashraf's Extension

PCB officials are showing support for the previous management and expressing dissatisfaction with the extension granted to Zaka Ashraf as the head of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Management Committee. Reports indicate that Ashraf received a three-month extension from the government after his tenure officially ended, and this decision has stirred disapproval within the board.

It's revealed that many high-ranking officials within the PCB were hoping for the return of Najam Sethi as the new chairman, and some were so disheartened by Ashraf's extension that one official even mentioned the possibility of stepping down. However, no final decision in this regard has been reached yet. The relationship between the officials and the chairman has been tense from the beginning, and there is suspicion that certain individuals are deliberately impeding the execution of decisions.

There have been issues within the PCB, with sideline officials reportedly collecting salaries without fulfilling their job responsibilities. When Ashraf attempted to address this by terminating such individuals, a high-ranking official opposed the move. Despite the chairman's dissatisfaction with their performance, replacing these individuals presents challenges.

Furthermore, the appointment of the Director of Legal and the prolonged absence of Usman Wahla, the Director of International Cricket, have added to the complexities faced by the PCB.

While many opposing officials believed Zaka Ashraf's tenure would conclude on November 3rd, he was granted an extension. However, despite the extension, his authority has been significantly curtailed.

Insiders suggest that Zaka Ashraf is expected to hold talks with the Prime Minister regarding this issue. Additionally, the PCB faces the task of selling media rights in the near future, but the challenge lies in the potential hindrance of making significant decisions when occupied with day-to-day affairs.

There have been reports of a foreign website publishing a critical letter regarding Zaka Ashraf's role within the management committee just one day before his tenure officially ended. This has raised questions about the timing and the foreign website's interest in Pakistan's internal matters, with one PCB official being held accountable for the letter's leakage.