LAHORE, Dec 1: Finally, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Thursday issued a news release, informing the media about the decisions taken at the marathon Governing Board meeting held here on Tuesday.

According to the press release, PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf briefed the Governing Board members about his recent visit to the UAE where he met ICC President Sharad Pawar, Vice-President Alan Issac and Chairman ICC Governance Committee Dr Julian Hunte.

Only seven GB members out of 14 (excluding PCB chairman) attended the meeting.

Those who attended the GB meeting include Wazir Ali Khoja, Mir Haider Talpur, Aamir Nawab, Chaudhry Mohammad Anwar, Maj. Gilani, Intikhab Alam, and Javed Miandad. Subhan Ahmed (COO) and Badar Manzoor (CFO) represented the PCB at the meeting.

“The meeting was in relation to the nomination of next ICC president (for the period starting in 2014). Discussions were also held over the revival of India-Pakistan series,” the press release said.

“With Mustafa Kamal, President Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), discussions were held on the nomination for ICC president and Bangladesh team touring Pakistan next year. Also discussed was a tournament featuring Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. President BCB invited the chairman [Zaka Ashraf] to visit Bangladesh in December during Pakistan team’s [ongoing] tour to Bangladesh,” the release added. However, sources claimed that no detailed discussions were held on these matters as the chairman only informed that he met the above-mentioned dignitaries in the UAE.

The PCB news release further stated: “The meeting was held with Haroon Lorgat [in the UAE], Chief Executive of the ICC, to discuss matters like the constitutional amendment, revival of international cricket in Pakistan including contests between India and Pakistan and improvement in the working relationship between the PCB and the ICC.

“Shaikh Al Nahayan, President of the Emirates Cricket Board, assured full cooperation from his side for the development and promotion of cricket in Pakistan. The meeting was held in a very cordial atmosphere. Emirates Cricket Board president appreciated the vision of PCB chairman for the development of cricket in Pakistan.

“Meetings were held with officials of the Emirates Cricket Board and Dubai Sports city including Abdurrehman Bukhatir, Khalid Zarooni, Abdurrehman Falaknaz and Mohammad Redha Abdulla Abbas. These meetings were held to discuss matters like Pakistan’s home series being staged in the UAE and improvement in the facilities extended for current and future series featuring Pakistan,” the news release said.

It further stated that the GB also approved formation of a Vigilance and Security Division in the PCB, which will be headed by a senior retired police or army official. “The Vigilance and Security Division will be responsible for monitoring and managing issues related to corruption and security,” the PCB media release said.

“Creation of a new Coordination Division in the PCB was approved for better coordination with government departments and within the PCB and to bring the grievances and inputs of regional cricket associations and other domestic cricketing bodies at PCB chairman’s level. This Division will look after the functions of PR, protocol and media,” it said.

Sources said Brigadier Sajid had also been appointed to head the Coordination Division after some GB members had some reservations over the appointment, before giving its approval.

Meanwhile, the PCB also surprisingly considered sports journalists as its part as it included them in its benevolent funds policy.

“A benevolent funds policy was approved through which financial assistance will be available for people connected with cricket including players, umpires, scorers, sports journalists etc,” it stated.

“Detailed discussions were held on the amendments required in PCB Constitution to bring it in line with ICC’s Memorandum and Articles. Views of the GB members regarding this matter were noted.

The main amendment, which needs to be made in the constitution, concerns development of a system for the future appointments of PCB chairman through a formal election process, instead of direct nomination by the patron, who presently is President Asif Ali Zardari.

In this regard, sources said, the head of the regional associations may strike a deal with the chairman to induct all the 11 heads of the regional bodies on the Governing Board and in return they will elect him chairman PCB. In this way they will bypass the General Council members, who in Pakistan are the sole body in sports fraternity to elect office-bearers for four years.

“A presentation was given on four mega infrastructure projects currently underway — Garhi Khuda Bukhsh stadium, Multan Cricket Academy, Karachi Cricket Academy and pavilion building at Pindi Stadium. The Board expressed concerns over the delay in these projects and increase in costs. A committee comprising Mir Haider Talpur and Javed Miandad was formed to visit these projects and present their report.

“Considering there were no rules available for the player’s provident fund, the Board agreed to dissolve this fund which had been inactive since 2010, and to disburse all accumulated funds amongst the contributing players,” the press release stated. It further said: “The GB appreciated the steps being taken by the PCB to revive international cricket in the country and expressed confidence in the new chairman on his vision to lift the PCB to new heights.

“The Board recorded its appreciation for the contributions made to the PCB by the outgoing chairman Ijaz Butt”, the release concluded.