June 17, 2007	Sunday	Jumadi-us-Sani 01, 1428

LAHORE, June 16: While criticising the National Cricket Academy’s (NCA) role, heads of the regional cricket associations expressed their full confidence in the PCB Chairman Dr Nasim Ashraf for his vision and board’s policies, systems and plans in a meeting at Bhurban on Saturday.

Besides the regional heads the meeting was also attended by the representatives of eight departments, affiliated with the PCB and special guests.

Later, the regional heads passed the following resolution, expressing their confidence in the PCB chairman.

“The presidents of the regional cricket associations of Pakistan express their full confidence in the Chairman PCB Dr Nasim Ashraf for his vision and Board’s policies, systems and future plans focused on the development of the game of cricket in Pakistan.”

Nine regional heads — of Karachi, Peshawar, Lahore, Sialkot, Abbottabad, Rawalpindi, Multan, Islamabad and Hyderabad signed the aforementioned resolution.

It was decided during the meeting that: one first-class championship, featuring regions and departments would be held every year while the promotion and relegation system would continue.

Club and school cricket would be run by the associations, however, financed by the PCB; input of the regions/associations would be included in the selection of regional coaches.

Advisory council of the regional and department representatives would be formed to meet after every three months but initially after every one month, with the next meeting in Karachi on July 16.

A maximum of 100 best players would play in the Pentangular tournament and all national players will have to play first-class matches.