August 9, 2005	Tuesday	Rajab 3, 1426

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KARACHI, Aug 8: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) came under scathing attack on Monday from former Test player Hasib Ahsan who held the ad hoc committee responsible for depriving Karachi of a Test against England in the coming winter. Hasib minced no words in saying that it was a calculated ploy by the Shaharyar M. Khan-led PCB regime to concentrate on scheduling top international matches in just one province while ignoring the deserved claims of Sindh, NWFP and Balochistan.

“Who says the PCB is promoting cricket at the grassroots level,” the ex-Test spinner questioned while talking to Dawn. “These (PCB) officials are only interested in appeasing their ‘friends’ in the other cricket boards.”

The outspoken Hasib, who served as chief selector in the past, criticized the current PCB hierarchy for the manner in which the matches of the forthcoming England series were finalized.

“As patriotic Pakistanis, we have a right to seek an explanation from the PCB for sidelining Karachi and Peshawar as well as Quetta. Why this step-motherly treatment for these centres?

“The PCB has adopted a policy which gives the impression that only one province is suitable for hosting Tests, One-day Internationals and other major fixtures.

“In India, the cricket board is compelled to follow a rotation policy when an itinerary is decided. The reason for that is quite obvious: the Indian board is operated in a democratic way. Of course, the same can’t be said for the PCB,” he pointed out.

Hasib lashed out at the current cricket managers for tarnishing the country’s image.

“President (Pervez) Musharraf wants love and harmony among people of all the four provinces to ensure that Pakistan as a country remains united and strong.

“But sadly, the PCB is bent on destroying the image of Pakistan by playing into the hands of majority of its counterparts (such as ECB, CA, UCB and BCCI).

“The PCB has made it a habit of inviting security delegations (from England, Australia, South Africa and India) ahead of international series in Pakistan.

“It’s only a lame excuse on PCB’s part to make sure that the visiting teams play a major portion of matches in Punjab,” he said.

“There is no justification whatsoever for depriving Karachi of an England Test especially after Australia and England played in London despite bombings in that city.”

The former cricket board administrator pointed out that PCB spent a huge sum of money to build an international stadium in Quetta.

“But till now, that city has been forced to stage just a couple of domestic matches. What was the point in spending a lot of money when Quetta is not even allotted international matches?”

Hasib reiterated that the PCB chairman should step down for his failure to make England agree to playing a Test in Karachi.

“He (Shaharyar) has given an impression that he has still not freed himself from the British colonialism. Whatever they demanded, he obliged them in the next instance.

“Even after spending close to two months in London, the PCB chairman was unable to convince his English sahibs to play a Test in Karachi.

Hasib called for an independent body to probe into the PCB affairs.

“The PCB officials in the present setup should be held accountable for indulging in numerous joyrides and enjoying unprecedented perks and privileges on public money.

“Mr Shaharyar has been overgenerous to his circle of friends who now rule the roost at the PCB. This friendship must end otherwise Pakistan cricket will continue to become a tool in the hands of these novices.”

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