LAHORE, April 23: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed former Test captain Ramiz Raja as chief executive, a post which has been restored after three years.

Ramiz replaced fellow commentator Chishty Mujahid, who had resigned as director PCB (now chief executive) some days back, citing domestic and  health problems as reasons.

Former Test cricketer Majid Khan held the post of chief  executive. The post had been  abandoned and ad hoc was imposed on PCB after Pakistan failed to win the final of the World Cup 1999.

Chishty held the post of director for some eight months

According to insiders, it has been learnt that PCB chairman Lt Gen Tauqir Zia was not fully satisfied with Chishty’s work and he was given an option,   either to retire or face the axe.

In  his letter to PCB chairman Mujahid said “May I take this opportunity of thanking you for your guidance, encouragement, support, assistance and indulgence throughout my tenure with the PCB. Any success in this venture I would entirely  attribute to you.

“I would also like to thank all my colleagues at the board for their untiring efforts and complete cooperation during my stay. I wish Pakistan cricket  victories and glory, and you  and your colleagues success and happiness, in future.”

Lt Gen Tauqir said he would miss Chishty whom he considered a well -wisher and an efficient person.

“You had informed me much earlier of your domestic difficulties. I would definitely be missing a gentleman, a well- wisher and an efficient person” he said.

Ramiz, as chief executive has been having lengthy meetings with the PCB chairman on several committees, including the  review committee. The meetings were still in progress when this report was filed.

The post of chief executive has been restored on the recommendation of Aamir Siddique, the Human Resources  manager  of the  PCB  who has devised a restructuring plan for the board which is likely to be announced in couple of days.