ISLAMABAD: The government on Friday withdrew its appeal filed against the Islamabad High Court's (IHC) decision to reinstate Chaudhry Zaka Ashraf as the chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), DawnNews reported.

The appeal was filed by advocate Asma Jehangir on Jan 24, challenging the IHC's Jan 14, 2014 verdict that had set aside the government’s statutory order of appointing television anchor and columnist Najam Sethi as acting PCB chairman.

The PCB Board of Governors earlier on May 8, 2013 had appointed Zaka as chairman, resulting in the institution of a petition filed by retired Major Ahmed Nadeem Sadal before the IHC.

On May 28, 2013, the IHC restrained Zaka from acting and performing duties as PCB chairman. The IHC also ordered the government to appoint acting chairman, resulting in the appointment of Sethi. The IHC in a subsequent judgement on July 4 declared his appointment as PCB chairman illegal.

On Jan 16, this year the IHC, in a suprise move, reinstated Zaka Ashraf as PCB chairman.