HYDERABAD, Dec 26: Former Pakistan captain Imran Khan demanded a democratically elected cricket board established in the country on the pattern of Australia, England and India.

Imran criticised Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for putting the constitution on the back burner. He was speaking to Dawn on Sunday during a visit to Niaz Stadium.

“It is the board’s failure that it is being run on ad hoc basis which is absolutely wrong,” he said.

He said the absence of a constitution makes it easier to avoid accountability.

“The constitution ensures accountability for irregularities and transparency in affairs,” he stressed.

“There is one man show in the PCB. One man is taking all the decisions. By the way, what are the qualifications of present board officials who are working on ad hoc basis,” he asked.

The PCB would be powerful only when it had elected officials.

Imran underscored the need for a bowling coach and described Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Aaqib Javed as the best choices.

Pakistan also needed a strong opening pair and Yasir Hameed should be back in the team which was certain to run into problems during its England tour next year. He was, however, against frequent changes in the squad.

He saw Pakistan as favourites in the forthcoming home series against India provided there were no injuries and said the skipper Inzamamul Haq and Shoaib Akhtar were a match-winning pair.

Imran said the weather should favour fast bowlers in the forthcoming series. “The last time when India visited it was summer in April and now it is winter in January, which will benefit our bowlers,” he observed.

He said India must play in Karachi after the ODI against England proved that conditions were quite satisfactory in the city.

“Mohammad Sami is a world class bowler but he needs some guidance. I will guide him in the training camp in Lahore soon,” he said.

He deplored the condition of Niaz Stadium which was recently used as a marriage lawn for the wedding ceremony of daughter of senior health official Hadi Bux Jatoi and son of federal minister for water and power Liaquat Jatoi.

He backed the proposal that PCB should take over the stadium which was the cricket capital of interior Sindh. “The ground needs to be developed as a Test centre once again,” he said.