LAHORE - Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Lt Gen (r) Taquir Zia has withdrawn his candidature as the Lahore City Cricket Association (LCCA) president in favour of Khawaja Nadeem Ahmad.
“Gen Taquir has decided not to contest the August 8 election against former LCCA president Khawaja Nadeem acknowledging his contributions for the cause of grassroots level in Lahore during his previous three-year tenure,” said Tauseef Ahmad, spokesperson of Taquir Zia here at a news conference on Wednesday at LCCA. Also present was Kh Nadeem and LCCA zonal presidents and club organisers. Tauseef said Gen Tauqir had taken the decision in the larger interest of Lahore cricket which was the hub of cricket activities of the country. “Tauqir has taken the decision after a through consideration and meetings with Kh Nadeem. He is of the view that Nadeem is the best candidate for heading the LCCA as he did a lot in his previous term and a lot is expected from him in future as well,” he added.
Speaking on the occasion, Kh Nadeem welcomed the gesture of ex-PCB chief Tauqir Zia and said it would strengthen the LCCA and Lahore’s cricket in years to come. “Gen Tauqir in his role as PCB chairman gave a new look to Pakistan cricket by creating national cricket academy and a lot of other infrastructure across the country and established the PCB on modern lines. During his tenure, a record number of international cricket activity was witnessed.” Nadeem said during his interaction with Gen Tauqir, he presented his vision regarding Lahore’s cricket and also discussed issues related to club cricket. “Tauqir expressed his full satisfaction on my proposals for the further uplift of club cricket and said he had decided not to contest the elections of the LCCA as Nadeem can better serve the body,” Nadeem added.
He said Gen Taquir would be the advisor of the LCCA on cricket affairs and his input and ideas would be given due consideration before finalizing a road map for revamping the Lahore’s cricket. “I have experienced a roller coaster ride during my election campaign but overcome all the hurdles with the blessing of Allah Almighty and with the cooperation of three affiliated zones, which are the driving force of the LCCA.”
“After my re-election, I will be calling an emergent meeting of the LCCA to streamline its affairs and to design a future plan for restarting cricket league and tournaments besides improving the existing infrastructure,” Nadeem concluded.