LAHORE, July 22: The controversy between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and a group of women cricketers headed by Shaiza Khan took a surprising turn when the women’s counsel stated before a local court that they do not represent the Pakistan national team.

Ijaz-ul-Ahsan, counsel for Shaiza Khan group, on July 18 made a statement before a local Civil Judge, Sana Khan Attiq, that the suit filed by them relates to the rights of playing cricket under the registered company formed by them and under no circumstances they desire the status of the Pakistan national team, according to legal documents of the case provided here Tuesday.

The counsel’s statement clears the situation on the status of Shaiza Khan group that is currently in Amsterdam, Holland, and participating in the International Women Cricket Council (IWCC) qualifying trophy.

Nevertheless, it has been observed that Shaiza Khan group is continuing to use the name of the country as they were identified as Pakistan in their victory against Japan the other day.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) women’s cricket team could not proceed to Amsterdam as they could not secure visas. The IWCC states that it recognizes Shaiza Khan group on the basis of a No Objection Certificate issued by a former PCB Chief Executive.

The Lahore High Court, it may be recalled, on June 30, 2002, had directed the PCB to immediately take steps in the matter after hearing the duly authorized representatives of the petitioner and respondents after a notice to them, proceed further and finalize the matters.

In the follow-up, the PCB appointed a security committee headed by Javed Zaman Khan who gave their recommendations which were accepted by PCB.

In an another development, the PCB on Monday filed a contempt application in Lahore High Court, Lahore, against Shaiza Khan, president Pakistan Women’s Cricket Control Association (PWCCA), for apparently violating the orders of the Honourable High Court passed on a writ petition.

The Honourable court was pleased to adjourn the proceedings for July 24, and also summoned the record from the trial court.—APP