LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Zaka is of the view that recent developments in the Pakistan-India relationship are a positive sign.
And Zaka is hopeful that his visit to India, on invitation of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to watch the final of the IPL this week, would pave the way for resumption of bilateral series between the two countries.
“The BCCI has already taken the first step by including Pakistan’s Twenty20 champions in the upcoming Champions League and during my visit to India negotiations are expected to be held on resumption of bilateral series,” he said while talking to Dawn.
He said that the PCB could offer the BCCI to host India series at any neutral venue if the latter refuses to visit Pakistan on security grounds, while adding that the BCCI has also an option to host Pakistan, but nothing is final.
However, the chairman said that he would decide in the best interest of Pakistan.
Commenting on the recent thaw in ties with the BCCI, Zaka said that India also supported Pakistan at the International Cricket Council (ICC) meeting by urging Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Mustafa Kamal to send the Bangladesh team to Pakistan, if he (Kamal) had made a commitment.
Unfortunately, the situation took an ugly turn after Bangladeshi court of law was moved against the visit, otherwise the international cricket could have been revived in Pakistan in April this year.
Answering another question, he said that Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah’s untimely statement, showing ignorance about the Bangladesh tour to Pakistan, may have also created a negative impression.
“But I will again request all to work for the national cause and move together in order to bring back international cricket to Pakistan,” he added.
“The cricketing world should also support Pakistan since the country has talent in abundance and every step should be taken to save Pakistan from isolation, considering the fact that Pakistan has been serving the game of cricket for the last six decades.”
Commenting on the functioning of the PCB, he said the board plans to cut down the size of staff by showing the door to those employees who are not performing satisfactorily.
“I don’t want to downsize the workforce, but those who are not working up to the mark will be sent home and steps are being taken in this regard,” he said.
Asked if he has formed any commission to watch the performance of employees, he said that no such commission or committee exists in this regard, but the PCB is personally assessing the employees, adding: “All employees must work hard for the betterment of the PCB and they are bound to show the results, otherwise they will be sent home.”
The chairman said that no specific parameters have been adopted in this regard, but added that those who fail to deliver have no right to have any association with the PCB.
“I want efficient staff and disciplined national team and everyone should work for interests of the PCB,” he said.
When asked about the financial position of the PCB, Zaka said that it is stable, but not in an excellent state since income and expenditures are equal.
“Our financial position could only be strengthened with either resumption of Pakistan-India cricketing ties and with willingness of international teams to visit Pakistan or by holding the proposed Pakistan Premier League,” the PCB chief elaborated.
It is pertinent to mention that the ex-chairman of the PCB, Ijaz Butt, reportedly claimed that he had left behind a cash balance of five billion rupees and another six billion are in the pipeline, which will come into the PCB’s accounts.
However, the incumbent chairman claimed that when he took the charge, the amount was, in fact, four billion rupees after paying various bills.
Moreover, the political conflict between the ruling PPP in the federal government and the PML-N in the provincial government of Punjab also bode ill for the working of the PCB, since the local government’s decision earlier this month to raze the two main walls of the Gaddafi Stadium after declaring them as encroachments further worsened the situation.
Earlier, the PCB also refused to rent out Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium’s pitch area to the provincial government and only offered the stadium’s stands for a function to distribute laptops.
When asked about the razed walls, the PCB chief had no words to share except saying that the issue is yet to be resolved.
Asked the PCB is yet to offer central contracts to players, due since Jan 1, as well as the Asia Cup-winning team is still deprived of cash awards, he said: “The PCB has decided to hold a grand function on May 25 where central contracts would also be announced besides honouring Asia Cup winners to boost the morale of the team ahead of the Sri Lanka tour.”
Answering a question about the number of members in the governing board and five vacant technocrat seats, the PCB chief said that steps are being taken in this regard.
He also said that it is not in his power to accept the demand of the KCCA and LCCA to give them permanent seats in the governing board.
“To give them permanent status in the governing board, a constitutional amendment is necessary, which he can’t do alone,” he said.