'ICC president in 2015 will be from Pakistan'
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LAHORE: Pakistan cricket chief Najam Sethi said on Friday his country will get eight years of series, including with archrivals India, earning $300 million, after agreeing to the revamp of the game's governing body.
Pakistan had opposed changes to the International Cricket Council (ICC) which hand the majority of powers and revenues to the “big three” of international cricket, India, Australia and England.
The suggested reforms were approved by majority (eight out of 10 countries in favour) at the ICC Board meeting in February, during which Pakistan and Sri Lanka abstained from voting.
After an ICC meeting in Dubai on Thursday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced it would conditionally support the reforms -- to be officially signed in June this year -- which Sethi said will bring major benefits to cash-strapped Pakistan.
“We were left isolated in world cricket, we could have gone bankrupt but we agreed to the revamp after getting written assurances of eight years cricket with all member countries including India which will benefit us to the tune of three billion rupees,” he told a press conference.
India have not played a full series with Pakistan since the 2008 terror attacks on Mumbai, which New Dehli blamed on militants based across the border.
Pakistan did play a short limited over series in India in December 2012 but a full tour has yet be finalised.
Pakistan have not hosted any international cricket since attacks on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore five years ago.
Sethi also said banned Pakistan paceman Mohammad Amir could get a one-year relaxation in his five-year ban for spot-fixing.
“The ICC has promised us to consider our request of relaxing of the ban on Amir and a decision is expected in a meeting in June,” said Sethi.
“Amir can get a one year relaxation during which he can play first-class cricket.”Amir along with former captain Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif was banned from all cricket for a minimum of five years over a spot-fixing scandal in 2010.
The trio agreed to bowl deliberate no-balls in return for money during the Lord's Test against England in August 2010, a scandal broken by the now defunct British tabloid News of the World.
Last year the ICC had agreed to form a committee to consider relaxing certain conditions of the ban on Amir, regarded as one of the best young bowlers in international cricket at the time of his suspension.
Sethi also said the ICC president in 2015 will be from Pakistan.
‘Amir to miss World Cup 2015 anyway’
The banned Pakistan fast bowler will not be eligible for next year's World Cup even if he returns early to domestic cricket, PCB chief operating officer Subhan Ahmed told Reuters.
He said that although Amir could play first-class cricket he will not be eligible for next year's World Cup.
“There are no indications even if the ICC reduces the ban it will allow him back to international cricket before the five-year ban period ends,” Ahmad added.
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On DawnNews
Comments (44) Closed
Apr 11, 2014 07:54pm
ICC president from Pakistan would be like Manmohan Singh as PM of India obeying Sonia Gandhi.ICC has given lolipop to Pakistan.
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Apr 11, 2014 07:58pm
Sounds like a better deal for Pakistan.
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Apr 11, 2014 08:07pm
I don't mind how much money will come as I won't be the beneficiary, but I do have problems with
s malik and k akmal and you because I am a die hard cricket fan. So please think about it.
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Apr 11, 2014 08:35pm
I think Mr. Sethi has no idea what he is talking about. This is like saying that every man woman and child in Pakistan will pay more than a US Dollar?. Pakistan doesn't export 300 Million Dollars worth of IT products & services. Is no one going to challenge these figures?. With 60% of the population near poverty line, does anyone in Pakistan believe what Mr. Sethi is saying?.
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Apr 11, 2014 08:49pm
@sumit:
So you mean to say that Manmohan singh is a parrot. Some nation your India. Good we Pakistanis are separate from you guys.
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Apr 11, 2014 08:55pm
Good work by mr. Najam Sethi and PCB. Heartening to hear that Pakistan is going to get huge revenue. Amir getting a reprieve and returning.2015 chairman from Pakistan. This is definate positive news and will bring Pakistan back in cricket. Pakistan super league is also scheduled in 2015 which is very good development. Mr. Najam sethi and PCB welldone,thank you and keep up the good work.
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Apr 11, 2014 09:16pm
ICC is showering whatever they want on Sethi sahib. He is their man. This proves that previous chairman was on right path. This Sethi sahib can even sold whatever he likes to get money. Now Sethi sahib is saying that we could be part of Big 4. If that offer was there, than who is stopping now to make Big 4? This Sethi sahib is a joke, and our history is full of such non-professional persons. I wish Pakistan take the stand. No cricket can happen without Pak team. Unfortunately, we do not know our own worth and every time sold ourselves so cheaply. I do remember, what one of the US senator said that for few dollars, this country can even sold their mothers. Is it not proven in this case? Shame on you Sethi. For few dollars you sold your soul. How many more years you are going to live and how many dollars you will take once you leave this world. I hope Dawn has the courage to put my these comments on its web-sites. Even they can forward to Sethi puncture walla sahib.
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Apr 11, 2014 09:18pm
Guys, give the guy benefit of doubt. Unlike his predecessors , I think Sethi is being realistic of the situation and trying to grab any opportunity at hand which will only help develop cricket in Pakistan. Again if there is any frustration that Pakistan is not playing enough cricket, that should be directed toward govt on improving security in the country , blaming other teams is silly,
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Apr 11, 2014 09:26pm
@Nadeem: Thanks for separating from us otherwise there will be not even single match would be played in India.
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Apr 11, 2014 10:07pm
@Khalid: I am no expert but let me point you that the money earned will NOT be only from the people visiting stadiums. PCB will get a part of broadcasting money. In essence, PCB will get money even when Indians watch them on their television. And since Indian market is huge, that will be huge chunk of money. That is the sole reason why every country wants to play with India and also try to get bilateral series if they can. From what I see, Mr.Sethi made a wise economic decision. But I cannot comment if it gels with the popular opinion of Pakistanis.
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Apr 11, 2014 10:41pm
Has the ICC brought out a notice like that? Any country that confirmed this news of bilateral matches? Which country agreed to tour Pakistan?
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Apr 11, 2014 10:44pm
After so much talk of self-respect, sale of soul, saving cricket from the grab of greedy BIg3, walkout from ICC, cheating by SA & SL, forming of separate body, finally PCB is going to sign when their signing has lost its meaning. On one hand it is accepted that PCB is bankrupt and it is known that 9 members are already in favour, yet PCB has been successful to extract so many benefits like return of banned players, flowing of Rs.3 billions to PCB, series with India (If BJP comes in power then it is very difficult), etc. and that too when BCCI is not viewed friendly. I simply wonder at his audacity.
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Apr 11, 2014 11:09pm
What gaurantee have you got Mr. Sethi that India will honour what they promise. And about the ICC president, don't be sure about it as it will only happen if Mr. Srinivasan stays under courts scanner. Only then would Mr. Srinivasan not let any other indian take over at ICC. I also wonder how could Pakistan be marginalised if we didn't support the draft. No other country than India would have declined to play us in that case. And we could still have made 10 billion rupees from other games which would have been enough to run the game. Only one at loss then could have been the corrupt pockets of PCB officials.
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Apr 11, 2014 11:36pm
Mr Sethi, now that you have got from ICC, what you wanted, please clean the mess and uncertainty in PCB and do not lose good players due to personal vendetta of some PCB staff and selectors. Please pursue PM Sharif to improve security, so that foreign teams can visit Pakistan. With such foreign visits, your revenue will also jump up. Good luck !
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Apr 11, 2014 11:38pm
@Ravi Dallas TX:
Sethi has sold the soul. So what realistic about it? If the logic of getting benefit and realistic are accepted, then each and everything could be sold? What if a foreighn offer to buy a part of your country land at a very good rate, then should you try to get the deal done. I can assure, if Pak takes the stand on principle, then this whole Big3 could have come to end. Pak may have sold and get short term benefit, but on principal cricket is dead for ever.
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Apr 11, 2014 11:46pm
Well done, Mr Sethi; this appears to be a better 'compromised deal' than standing on the sidelines on 'principles only' and swimming against the flow of the current, where we were drowning!
Life itself is a compromise and "it is not the 'strong' or the 'intelligent' but those who learn to 'adapt', do survive" (said Charles Darwin).
The 'Big 3' is a reality, albeit a harsh one, but the quicker we 'understand' and 'move on' the better for Cricket Pakistan and the future generation of Intl. cricketers and fans alike.
But, for me, the best news is Amir's early entry into First-Class cricket!
P.S. The writer is a British-Pakistani Muslim, BA (Econ., University of Karachi), ACA (ICAEW), and an Intl. Development management consultant (IoC, UK)
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Apr 12, 2014 12:40am
Good going Sethi Sb. Hope your claims translate into reality. Best of Luck.
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Apr 12, 2014 01:18am
@Nadeem:
I know my comments will not be published but can't resist to say that Nadeem, you are an idiot!!
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Apr 12, 2014 01:31am
@Nadeem:
In fact, the entire world is happy that you are separated. please stay separated.
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Apr 12, 2014 01:33am
A person who fought with Pakistan army in Baluchistan initiated by RAW and who has been known as anti-Pakistan and pro India journalist and recently gained fame for his 35 punctures for a India friendly NS govt. offers little trust in getting these deals for PCB on equitable basis.
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Apr 12, 2014 02:02am
I am from Pakistan but I fail to understand the arrogance shown by people on different forums as if they are the decision/policy makers for Indian and Pakistan cricket boards. Guys chill out no matter how much we write, say or shout on any platform it will not make any difference to any of the people in-charge of affairs. So instead of wasting time pointing at each other we suggest something constructive. Hope this make sense!
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Apr 12, 2014 02:37am
@Tower:
Saudi Arabia agreed to play in Pakistan all their games for which they paid an advance of 1.5 billion dollars. PCB should ask a share of that money.
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Apr 12, 2014 03:30am
Why does Mr Sethi want to bring Amir back in the team. Please dont say he was young and naive. He knew exactly what he was doing. There will always be doubts if Amir plays again. If he drops a catch, gets hit for a four or bowls a no ball. Pakistani team is unpopular as it is. Why make things diffucult for rest of the players with putting a bad apple in the team. Mr. Sethi, forget about Amir and go out and find some new bowlers. Surely there are young kids out there who just need to be discovered and groomed. Also PCB should teach all players ethics so that no body should say in the future my captain told me to do so. While at it, can PCB teach players how to do interviews after the match. Some of these interviews are really funny. Players are asked something and they answer something else.
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Apr 12, 2014 03:56am
When they get good news they criticize it. When they get bad news they criticize it. Pity on such a nation. If Sethi is doing something good, it should be appreciated. Or else the only team playing cricket with Pakistan will be Taliban eleven.
Always disappointing to go in the comments section.
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Apr 12, 2014 04:01am
@Wachucha:
Couldnt agree with you more. Mind boggling as to how these type of characters manage to live in Pakistan let alone go on high offices of power. Imagine his role in recent election, now he is tasked to destroy Pakistan cricket with his masters outside Pakistan.
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Apr 12, 2014 07:02am
Don't mean to be too harsh but reality is this. IPL did not close down because Pak players did not play and Cricket is not going to collapse because Pakistan does not play. Yes everyone would love to see Pakistan players play, but it does not meant they will stop watching cricket, if they don't play.
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Apr 12, 2014 07:14am
@Tower:
Bilateral agreements have been signed with all the permanent members or at least MOIs.
This is good achievement by PCB. Critics should tell what was PCB negotiating position after 9 members had already signed?
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Apr 12, 2014 07:23am
Hey Dawn editorial ! great headline ...really meaningful support of the Sharif enterprises.
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Apr 12, 2014 08:17am
@Pashtun:
Well said, Mr Pashtun, I really like your comment "otherwise, playing with the Taliban Xi", LOL; sadly, most cricket fans here don't have a clue as to what Najam Sethi has achieved in the circumstances for Cricket Pakistan compared with Zaka Ashraf, who although took a 'principled-stand, but had left Cricket Pakistan in the doldrums or on the sidelines!
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Apr 12, 2014 08:43am
Mr Sethi,could you please tell me whether I'd win the lottery?
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Apr 12, 2014 09:59am
With so many benefits to Pakistan won just for providing 'conditional support' to an already passed resolution, Najam Sethi deserves to be inducted in the cabinet as foreign minister. By the way, what doe she smoke?
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Apr 12, 2014 10:03am
The only principle on display here was Pakistan's refusal to join any forum where India had a leadership role. The world called their bluff. Thankfully, rotten principles die a rotten death.
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Apr 12, 2014 11:14am
3 Billion = $300 Million ????????
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Apr 12, 2014 02:36pm
another joke ???
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Apr 12, 2014 07:36pm
Only time will tell. Who knows, by that time if the current PCH chair will still be in power or not? Only time will tell.
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Apr 13, 2014 04:35am
Is it going to be you Mr. Sethi ?
It looks like it's Najam Sethi's game plan to consolidate his position.
Cricket is not his field.
He seems to have in depth knowledge of International Relations.
Prime Minister Nawaz Shareef should appoint him as Pakistan's
Foreign Minister.
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Apr 13, 2014 01:27pm
watch out what you talk ? you always look good going diplomatic for ppl who pay you for getting on the camera. dont run your mouth so allegdely in here ? looks like you some external influence has approached you ... dont crack serious jokes ...
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Apr 13, 2014 07:56pm
Just watched the news on espn cricinfo.There is gonna be the test series held between Indai and Pakistan. It is possibly one of the finest joint decisions ever to be taken by any two countries.Hats off to you guys.The world is gonna witness a never seen match before. Brothers and "women" from both countries would be reuniting once more to make history.Its gonna be one of the historic test match!!AWESOME.Just expecting at least 4 match series with proper gap time instead of all in a row.
Ashes???Nah .It is possibly the worst tournament ever in the world.The ironic part is that now a days only the home team wins.haha!! and they boast to be the best!
Anyway if PCB is really hoping for a pakistani ICC president,I reckon Akram.He has much better understanding of players and he will try more to improve the future stars of Pakistan along with the ties between us
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Apr 13, 2014 11:21pm
@sumit:
Do not mock someone you dont know. Manmohan Singh is doing the best he can in his power for Indian people. India, as a nation, will forever remain indebted to him. I can only wish if Pakistani leadership had someone even half as honest as him.
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Apr 14, 2014 08:52am
Aapas kee Baat!!! Dream on!!
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Apr 14, 2014 12:40pm
Read the whole article. Cant make it How would a pakistani head icc.
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Apr 14, 2014 12:42pm
@Jamal syed:
they published it LOL
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Apr 14, 2014 05:28pm
@Nadeem:
I know that you are too happy playing with Taliban cricket team as no other country wants to visit Pakistan. We do not want to take away that happiness from you - please stay separate.
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Apr 14, 2014 05:29pm
So all the big talks of taking principle stand are now gone...
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