ISLAMABAD - Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Chaudhry Zaka Ashraf Tuesday said that their effective counter strategy foiled Indian bid to control world cricket.
Talking to The Nation, Zaka said: “I have conversations with the BCCI and they have tabled different lucrative offers to lure us, but we will decide in the best interest of the country and Pakistan cricket.”
Zaka further said: “Judiciary stopped me from working and now they have restored me. We will take principle stand in the next meeting of the ICC on 8th of this month in Singapore. I was not feeling well when the last meeting was held, even then I pleaded Pakistan case very strongly and Sri Lankan, South African, Bangladesh and even West Indian boards assured us of their support. Now majority of them had tilled in favour of Big 3.”
“I have a very conducive meeting with Foreign Minister on Tuesday at Foreign Ministry and he assured me all the support and urged to continue with the policy best suited to the country. I have written a letter to Prime Minister for meeting, but did not receive any reply yet. I have convened board of directors meeting to discuss prevailing situation and the board completely backed our principle stance on Big 3 issue.”
To a query regarding construction of cricket stadium in Islamabad, Zaka replied: “After hard efforts, we have managed to get a piece of land allocated from the previous government. Now I will check about the latest developments in this regard and we have proposed a five-star hotel to be constructed in the premises, where international teams will get accommodation and stay in safe and secure atmosphere. We are searching for investors for this mega project.”
To another query regarding appointment of new head coach, the PCB chief stated: “We have formed a committee, which also include name of Wasim Akram. We have also requested Zaheer Abbas to become part of the body, but he has other assignments so the committee will give its recommendations after the deadline and then we will decide about new coach.”
When asked about future of Moin Khan as manager of the team, he said: “No decision in this regard has yet been made.”
When this scribe asked Zaka whether major changes would be made in the PCB, he replied: “Not major but some necessary changes will be definitely on the cards as we want to take professionals and skilled persons on board.”
Replying to another question regarding his future as PCB chairman and rumors regarding government interference, he said: “Nawaz Sharif is a cricket lover and I don’t think he will take any undemocratic step to topple the elected chairman.”
To a query regarding future of Misbah as Pakistan team captain, Zaka replied: “Misbah is performing on consistent basis and he has no intentions of replacing him till he is delivering for the team and the country.”
“The ICC security team has visited Bangladesh and they are satisfied with the security situation. We will send our team for Asia Cup and T20 World Cup as we have to fulfill international commitments,” Zaka concluded.