ISLAMABAD, Dec 16: President Gen Pervez Musharraf has asked Shaharyar M. Khan, the new chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to continue the developmental plans launched by the previous set-up.

“The president wants that the development programmes launched by the previous set-up must continue and also wishes the new establishment to address grassroots to strengthen the cricketing base,” a PCB press release quoted Shaharyar as saying.

Shaharyar, appointed in place of Lt. Gen (Retd) Tauqir Zia last week, called on the president in Islamabad on Tuesday.

The president also told the PCB chief that preparations for the 2007 World Cup in West Indies should begin now and efforts must be made to raise a winning team.

“I am extremely encouraged by the support extended by the president. I am also grateful to him for giving me complete authority and power to run Pakistan cricket.

“I will be submitting to the president, short-term and long- term plans in the next two to three weeks,” he said.