LAHORE: Two former chairmen of the Pakistan Cricket Board have backed the nomination of Executive Committee head Najam Sethi as the next PCB chairman in place of Shaharyar Mohammad Khan whose three-year term ended on Sunday.

The election for new PCB chairman is expected to be held later this week and Sethi is the most prominent nominee for the post.

Speaking to a private TV channel on Sunday evening, former PCB chairman Khalid Mahmood praised Sethi for his outstanding work for the cricket board and Pakistan Super League (PSL).

“When I first met Sethi in 2013, I wasn’t too impressed, but my opinion has changed about him as he has proved his credentials as a fine administrator with some stellar work for the PCB, especially by setting up the hugely successful PSL,” said Khalid.

“The tournament has provided a great platform for young Pakistan players and some of the new talent was instrumental in the ICC Champions Trophy triumph in England. I feel that Sethi is the best choice to replace Shaharyar Khan now.”

Another former PCB Chairman retired Gen Tauqir Zia echoed Khalid’s sentiments. Appearing in a TV sports show on Sunday, Tauqir backed Sethi’s nomination and termed him ‘the best choice to lead the PCB.’

“Sethi in my opinion is more suited than anyone to run the PCB. Even if I was given a chance to be chairman, I would gladly withdraw my nomination for him since he holds rich experience of administration, especially through his outstanding work for the PSL,” said Tauqir.

“In recent years, Sethi has gathered a firm grip over cricket affairs as well on the day-to-day affairs of the cricket board. Some of his critics are seemingly driven by an agenda and he should not worry about them, if you ask me.”

Published in Dawn, August 8th, 2017