ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Inter Provincial Coordination (IPC) has directed for early elections of Pakistan Cricket Board, which continues to be run by an interim setup led by Zaka Ashraf.

An IPC letter, a copy of which is available with Dawn, addressed to Election Commissioner PCB Mahmood Iqbal and Adjudicator PCB Justice Retired Tassaduq Hussain Jillani on Sept 11 states: “I am directed to refer the subject captioned above and to 4th September 2023 addressed to Chairman Management Committee, PCB regarding completion of the primary assigned tasks of formation of the BoG and conduct of early elections of the Chairman, PCB.

“It requested the Election Commissioner and Adjudicator to extend full support and cooperation in this matter.”

Sources told Dawn that the letter on Sept 4 mentioned that a second interim management committee for a period of four months was constituted on 5th July, 2023 with Zaka at chairman with the aim of holding elections.

It has been learnt that despite repeated requests by the Ministry to provide roadmap for nomination of members of BoG and election of Chairman PCB, there seems no action and willingness on part of the management xommittee to conduct elections.

Recently, Election Commissioner of Pakistan had directed to remove all heads of institutions who were appointed on political considerations to ensure transparency in the general elections and, therefore, the Ministry of IPC had sought clarification from Prime Minister’s office regarding Zaka’s appointment.

The ministry’s call to hold elections comes with the PCB having other pressing matters, most notably finalizing the squad for the World Cup following the team’s miserable performance at the recent Asia Cup.

Mohammad Yaqoob from Lahore adds: Zaka had announced after Pakistan’s Asia Cup exit at the Super Four stage that a review of the team’s performance will be held ahead of the World Cup, which begins in India from Oct 5.

However, no date has been announced and it remains undecided whether the review will be carried out by an independent forum or PCB’s own think-tank of chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq, coaches consultant Mickey Arthur and national cricket committee headed by Misbah-ul-Haq.

Reports suggest that Inzamam is worried after the team’s showing at the Asia Cup and is considering all options, especially in the bowling department. Pacers Zaman Khan, Shahnawaz Dahani and Hasan Ali as well as mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed are under consideration.

The extent of fast bowler Naseem Shah’s shoulder injury is still to be determined with his medical reports having been sent to England for a second opinion, which will be received by Tuesday or Wednesday.

Dawn has learnt, however, that pacer Haris Rauf and opener Imam-ul-Haq, who sat out the last match of the Asia Cup against Sri Lanka, are fit enough for the selection.

Published in Dawn, September 19th, 2023