LAHORE, July 31: Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) president Ijaz Ahmed Butt claimed on Thursday that he would solve all problems pertaining to cricket at regional level in the next eight months.

Talking to reporters after a first meeting with presidents and secretaries of Punjab district cricket association, Ijaz was hopeful of accomplishing the task.

“I believe in quick solutions and the problems in front of me are old but it is quite possible to solve them,” Ijaz said.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) recently announced a new domestic structure in which provincial cricket association were formed in all four provinces and nominated their officials for a one year period, after which which new office-bearers will take over through the elections.

Ijaz noted there was a dearth of grounds in the province. The other main issues were the elections in different districts and selection of the teams.

The PCA president said that his first priority was to form selection committee which will pick the regional teams for the forthcoming tournaments.

He said the selection committee would comprise members from PCB, PCA and the region concerned to select these teams.

Asked how he will eradicate the trend of approach and use of money in the selection matters, in which some city cricket association had earned bad name, Ijaz categorically said that he would resign if such a practice continues.

Asked will he also take action against PCB selector in such cases, Ijaz replied, “why not. They would also receive the same punishment.

“PCB selectors will be with us to assist and not use their influence in selecting the teams,” he said.

The PCA president disclosed that he had urged the PCB to extend the commencement of the under-19 regional cricket tournament, from its scheduled starting date of Aug 11.

“The rainy weather and flood like situation in Sindh can damage the tournament and furthermore, the newly constituted provincial associations could not have much time, therefore, it should be extended for at least 10 days,” he said.

Ijaz was unsure when asked whether PCA form its own election commissioner or PCB election committee will continue to hold elections in districts.

Neither the president nor the secretary of Lahore City Cricket Association attended the meeting.

About the absence of LCCA’s key officials, Ijaz said that he had personally invited them but they opted to send in their nominees.