ISLAMABAD - Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has its own way of dealing and showering countless blessings on their blue-eyed persons.

Highly powerful Islamabad Regional Cricket Association president Shakil Shaikh is one such classic example as despite the gentleman well-passed his third tenure as regional president, the PCB is not in a mood to appoint adhoc in Islamabad Region and conduct fresh elections. Shakil who is also accused by many of destroying the careers of number of talented players of not only Islamabad but Rawalpindi Region as well as only puppets and Shakil’s blessed persons were preferred to head Rawalpindi Region. Rawalpindi was once the elder brother but due to highly dubious policies of the past heads, Rawalpindi for long now living under the shadows of Islamabad Region. Now Shakil is not ready to allow someone else to take over the affairs of the association despite completing his third tenure as well as the post is too lucrative to him.

A high official in the PCB on condition of anonymity confirmed that Shakil first tried to get another term from the PCB governing body by maneuvering the constitution but after clear refusal from the Chairman, who is not ready to make certain amendment sin the PCB constitution just for one single person, Shakil took stay order from a court against the new elections.

When this correspondent wanted to know whether Shakil had the blessings of PCB chairman as well in this process, the official replied in negative and said the PCB was waiting to get the court orders in this regard and then it will decide future course of action.

When this correspondent tried to contact PCB Chairman Najam Sethi to seek his point of view but despite repeated attempts, Sethi did not attend any call. It is crystal clear that Shakil wants to rule the PCB and not ready to relinquish regional post as it is like gold cave. A number of talented players from Islamabad and Rawalpindi were left high and dry while his sons Moied Shaikh and Arsal Shaikh, despite being super flops always enjoy limelight and are free to play for regions and departments. Both had a highly poor track record, but due to Shakil’s influence, they managed to get selected in one or another team. Arsal is supposed to be right arm off spin bowler but he had never completed his full quota of overs and in case he did manage to bowl few overs, his record is more than enough to show how much talent he possess. On the other hand, Moeid’s record speaks itself. The lad had played around 40 plus matches, both first class and list one and hardly averages around 10 plus. The PCB should made it clear whether Islamabad and Rawalpindi cricket is only meant for Shakil’s sons and his near and dear ones.

Every region opt to pick the best of the lot and if they had to pick players in the drafting but it only happens in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, where local talent is ignored and overage players, who had well-passed their peak, were given nod of approval and their records are available on PCB’s official site. The players who had scored loads of runs and taken scores of wickets were simply ignored as they doesn’t enjoy close relations with most powerful Moied Shakih, who is free to destroy or select any player of his liking. The local cricketers in the past too had warned about protest demonstration if their genuine demands are not met. While sharing their views with The Nation, they had given one-week time to the PCB to appoint adhoc in Islamabad and conduct free and impartial elections under professionals, who know the ABC of cricket.

It is high-time the PCB must decide they are with rules and regulations or they want to continue with same old tactics and just want to safe the skin of a certain individual. It is hoped being a thorough professional and man of commitment, Najam Sethi will provide justice to long suffering talent of twin cities and conduct an inquiry against the persons, who deprived local talent.