Former PCB Chairman Muhammad Zaka Ashraf and Mustafa Advocate Supreme Court Mustafa Ramday have been appointed as members of the PCB Board of Governors, according to a notification released by the Prime Minister’s Office. This development comes as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his capacity as PCB’s patron-in-chief, nominated Ashraf and Ramday for the positions.
The Return of Muhammad Zaka Ashraf
Muhammad Zaka Ashraf, who previously served as PCB chairman during the last government of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), is expected to assume the prestigious role once again. With the inclusion of Ashraf and Ramday, the PCB Board of Governors now consists of ten members. Alongside Ashraf and Ramday, four representatives from cricket associations and departments will also sit on the board.
Upcoming Elections and Najam Sethi’s Decision
The chief election commissioner will now initiate the election process, which is likely to be held later this week. Earlier today, Najam Sethi, who was appointed as the head of the PCB management committee, confirmed that he is no longer in the running for the position of PCB chairman. Sethi cited his desire to avoid becoming a source of contention between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and PPP co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari as the reason behind his withdrawal.
PPP’s Endorsement of Ashraf
Federal Minister for IPC Ehsan Ur Rehman Mazari reaffirmed that Muhammad Zaka Ashraf, who enjoys support from the PPP leadership, will be the next chairman of the PCB. Mazari, while speaking on a local television show, clarified that Najam Sethi’s mandate as the head of the management committee was solely to oversee free and fair elections in the regions.
Selection Criteria and Constitutional Provisions
According to the PCB constitution, the chairman of the board is elected by the board of governors from among its members. Clause 6(1) states that the chairman serves a three-year term and is elected following the process outlined in clause 7 of the constitution.
Clause 7 outlines the procedure for electing the chairman, which involves convening a special meeting of the board of governors with a majority of the total voting membership. The constitution requires the board of governors to consist of 11 members, with 10 having voting rights, as specified in clause 12.
Clause 12.1 states that the board comprises three members from cricket associations (elected presidents of such associations), two members nominated by the Patron, four independent members nominated by the nomination committee, the Federal Secretary of the Inter-Provincial Committee as an ex-officio member without voting rights, and the chief executive of the PCB.
Clause 13(2) indicates that the quorum for a meeting should include five voting members, with at least one member each from paragraphs a, b, and c of clause 12.1. However, if the number of members is reduced, the quorum can be adjusted proportionately.
Published in PakWeb, June 20th, 2023.
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