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18 June 2004
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Friday
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29 Rabi-us-Saani 1425
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PCB makes mockery of transparency claims
By Rehan Siddiqui
Violating its own rules and regulations seems to be business as usual as far as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials are concerned. The most recent case is that of South African Andy Gray who was named as trainer on Wednesday along with Bob Woolmber who replaced Javed Miandad.
When the present PCB chief, Shaharyar M.Khan, replaced Lt. Gen (retd) Tauqir Zia, he like his predecessor claimed that there would be nothing but transparency in all PCB dealings.
But it proved an illusion from the outset, as Mr. Khan contradicted himself in his every press conferences and statements. And the most blatant case of contradiction unfolded on Wednesday with the surprise appointment of Mr. Gray. Only on Sunday the PCB had advertised various posts including that of trainer in the national dailies advising applicants to submit their applications latest by June 28.
Knowing that the PCB top brass do not believe in accountability one should not be surprised that the post has been filled before the end of the deadline and by another foreigner, making mockery of the transparency claims in all decision makings so loudly advocated by Mr. Khan.
Maybe the PCB in its eagerness to acquire the services of Woolmer was forced to accommodate Mr.Gray on the recommendation of the coach-designate who wanted his own man as trainer. Perhaps Mr. Khan considers himself above board and not accountable to anyone as he has been appointed by the most powerful person in the country.
With the unflinching backing of the PCB patron, Mr. Khan is following in the footsteps of his predecessor who also flouted all rules and regulations giving two hoots to accountability.
The PCB has become a laughing stock among the cricket playing nations because of its unethical and arbitrary decisions which have also earned Pakistan cricket and the country a bad name. From past experiences it appears unlikely that there will be any improvement in the future as long as the PCB management is allowed to be run on non-professional and undemocratic lines.
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