ISLAMABAD, May 26: The chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Shaharyar M. Khan, on Wednesday received a pat on the back from President General Pervez Musharraf over the successful staging of the recent series against India.
Musharraf, the Patron of PCB, assured Shaharyar, who called on him and the Board's chief executive Ramiz Raja, of his full support and especially appreciated the flawless arrangements that were made for the series.
The president was quoted as saying that although Pakistan lost the series, the way it was conducted had improved the country's image and also helped in bettering ties with India.
In the meeting held at the President House, Shaharyar apprised Musharraf of various matters including the reasons of defeat to India, injury to paceman Shoaib Akhtar and the changes that were being planned within the Board.
Musharraf instructed Shaharyar to finalise the PCB constitution as soon as possible and asked him to further streamline domestic cricket and also concentrate on improving infrastructure.
He stressed that more importance be given to regional cricket academies which would eventually provide players for the national team. Shaharyar thanked the president for his support and said that he would strive to run cricket in an efficient manner in cooperation with the regional associations and the Board's advisory committee.
Meanwhile, the Senate Standing Committee on Sports, Culture and Tourism has summoned Shaharyar, Ramiz and selector Wasim Bari next month. Letters have been sent out to the PCB asking these officials to make themselves available for an appearance before the committee between June 7 and 10. The committee meanwhile will discuss a report on Pakistan's recent defeat to India on Saturday.
