Najam Sethi. — File photo by AFP

IT is evident from the board of governors (BoG) meeting and the press release issued after it, the PCB is these days contemplating on who to nominate for the position of International Cricket Council (ICC) president.

As far as ICC protocols go, one has learnt, the nomination has to be made eight months prior to the assumption of office for one year. Since the date fixed for the purpose is July 1, it makes Oct 31 the cut-off date for nomination — four days from today.

The PCB’s BoG handed the incumbent chairman, Mr Shaharyar M. Khan the power to make the nomination, following a committee recommendation. So, it’s a good time to evaluate who the best choice for the job would be.

But before I go on to that, one has to take into account the changes wrought at the ICC post since ‘the Big Three’ phenomenon took charge of the global body. Now the chairman calls the shots and the president has been reduced to a mere figurehead.

But despite the position being only ceremonial, in Pakistan’s context and the issues Pakistan Cricket confronts it is of great import that the right person gets nominated to optimize the gains from world body. That is why the choice has to be very well considered for the next year and a half is extremely important in terms of restoration of international cricket in Pakistan.

To accomplish that, along with intense lobbying, image and perception of Pakistan as a safe cricketing destination has to be projected most competently.

Considering that the position is ceremonial, in ordinary circumstances a former cricketer who enjoys respect worldwide would have been the choice most apt.

And though Pakistan really does not possess too many former greats who would be comfortable in high-profile international committee situations, there are a few who are most respected in the ICC echelons.

Majid Khan and Zaheer Abbas are the two names that immediately pop out as possible contenders. Majid as PCB CEO in his three-year stint in the late 1990s indeed enjoyed a great reputation among his peers.

But the PCB at the moment needs someone with great diplomatic nous, and the one who is up-to-date on cricketing issues.

Former PCB chairman Najam Sethi could very well be that person. With a year and a half at the helm in Pakistan cricket behind him, he is now well versed in cricket affairs and international politics of the game, and the one who is quick to adapt can thus be the nomination that can deliver the goods.

He is articulate, well-versed in diplomacy, has already networked well with everybody who is anybody in the ICC, which is evident from the diplomatic triumph PCB accomplished at Melbourne when it was literally down and out with nine nations arrayed against it after it had missed the boat courtesy Zaka Ashraf.

The best FTP ever, a position on the Executive Committee, fourth ranking in terms of revenue just below three restoration of the presidency etc are proof positive of pretty decent brinkmanship.

So, is Sethi that ambassador-at-large Pakistan cricket is looking for?

Published in Dawn, October 27th, 2014