Zaka Ashraf, the Chairman of the Interim Management Committee (IMC) of the Pakistan Cricket Board, submitted his resignation from the position on Friday. This decision comes two weeks before the conclusion of the IMC’s tenure under his leadership.
The announcement follows the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) disallowing Ashraf from conducting an IMC meeting, where he intended to establish the Board of Governors (BoGs). This step is crucial in initiating the elections for the PCB chairman, who serves a three-year term.
During the fourth meeting of the PCB’s IMC at Lahore’s National Cricket Academy, Zaka Ashraf revealed his decision to resign as the chairman and member of the IMC. The resignation was formally communicated to the caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar, as stated in a release from the PCB.
The statement expressed Ashraf’s gratitude to the Prime Minister for the confidence and trust placed in him, offering best wishes and prayers for the prosperity of Pakistan and its cricket.
During the meeting, Ashraf highlighted the notable achievements under his tenure, including a substantial increase in contributions from the International Cricket Council to the PCB. Other milestones mentioned encompassed the visit of the Board of Cricket Control of India to Pakistan, the home team securing the top spot in ICC one-day international rankings, hosting the Asia Cup after a 15-year gap, and reaching an agreement with Cricket Australia on player development, among various accomplishments.
Members of the Interim Management Committee (IMC) were briefed on matters related to PCB affairs and finances, according to the statement. Ashraf expressed gratitude to the IMC members, PCB management, and staff for their support during his term.
On another note, IPC Minister Fawad Hasan Fawad informed Dawn.com that Ashraf’s resignation had been forwarded to PM Kakar, who serves as the PCB’s patron-in-chief. The minister mentioned that his ministry, as per government instructions, had been monitoring PCB affairs, overseeing matters such as the Pakistan Super League schedule, and inquiring about activities beyond the board’s day-to-day affairs.
To provide context, on December 20, 2022, Ramiz Raja was the PCB chairman until being removed by then Prime Minister and PCB patron Shehbaz Sharif. An 11-member IMC headed by Najam Sethi worked until June 20, 2023. Subsequently, a 10-member interim committee, chaired by Ashraf, was formed on July 5, 2023. In November, the IPC ministry granted a three-month extension to the Ashraf-led body.
