ISLAMABAD - Former Pakistan pacer Sarfraz Nawaz paid rich tributes to outgoing Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Najam Sethi and described him the saviour of Pakistan cricket.
Talking to The Nation from England, where he has gone to visit his ailing brother Shahid Nawaz, Sarfraz said: “I don't know who are the advisors of Najam Sethi, who without knowing the ground reality and side effects have given him advice not to contest PCB chairman election. It is my firm belief, Sethi is the right man to lead Pakistan cricket out of international isolation and can put it back on right track.”
“It was the wisdom of Sethi, who won the lost battle and pleaded Pakistan case very strongly with the ICC. Zaka Ashraf had thrown the future of Pakistan cricket in complete darkness, but Sethi managed not only to convince the ICC, but also the powerful BCCI, which resulted in countless benefits for Pakistan cricket in near future and ensure the PCB will stay alive, otherwise, it was at the brink of bankruptcy,” he added.
“Due to the prevailing situation and keeping in mind Sethi's strong international connections, it would be very wise to continue with Sethi as the PCB chief for at least three to four years, as he had pleaded Pakistan case with the ICC and he is fully aware about the developments. New chairman will find it really difficult to start the entire process again with the ICC and the BCCI,” he stated.
“Sethi has completely transformed the entire setup of the PCB in a very short span of time. He had introduced a new constitution, which will ensure no such person can get chairmanship, who doesn't fulfill the required criteria and above all he has given substantial raise to players in their central contracts. The most significant Sethi has done is taking good care of the youngsters, who were completely ignored in the past. Now U-16 players will also get stipends from the PCB. In the past, these junior players can't even think about buying a pair of sports shoes for them, there were other drastic changes on the cards. It is my request to PCB patron Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to look into this matter and ask Najam Sethi to reconsider his decision,” the ex-pacer added.
“I strongly believe Sethi should must PCB chairman election. If he is not ready to accept the hot seat then at least he should be given an important portfolio in the PCB setup. All the international commitments and deals should be done through Sethi and he should lead the PCB foreign delegations and must have final say in all the important decisions. I am quite convinced the PM should take the best decision which will be in the best interest of the PCB, cricket and players,” he said.
Sarfraz Nawaz also paid rich tributes to Editor-in-Chief Nawa-i-Waqt Group Majeed Nizami, who breathed his last and termed him the role model for the entire nation. “I had met a few times with Majid Nizami and found him true patriotic Pakistani and a strong supporter of sports. I offer my sincere condolences to Rameeza Majeed Nizami and the entire staff of Nawa-i-Waqt Group and pray to Almighty Allah for eternal peace for the departed soul and strength to bear this irreparable loss with equanimity,” he concluded.