Stage set for Naqvi to become PCB chairman as PM Kakar okays Ashraf's resignation

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar Tuesday approved Zaka Ashraf's resignation as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Management Committee chairman, essentially paving the way for Mohsin Naqvi to take the helm as cricketing body's head after the premier also nominated him for Board of Governor's (BoG) in Ashraf's place.

The development comes after Ashraf, who became part of PCB's BoG on July 6 and assumed his role as the Chairman by replacing Najam Sethi on the same day, stepped down from the top post last Friday.

"I was working for the betterment of cricket but it is not possible for us to work in this way," he was quoted saying by those present in the ongoing committee meeting.

The tenure of the now-former chairman saw the Pakistan cricket team fail to qualify for the final of the Asia Cup 2023, followed by the team's exit from the World Cup 2023 without reaching the knockout stage.

Following his resignation, the premier nominated Naqvi — a media channel owner currently serving as Punjab's interim chief minister — who also confirmed his appointment while speaking to reporters in Lahore soon after the news broke out.

“I will try to fix the issues affecting Pakistan cricket. Reforms in cricket are the need of the hour,” Naqvi said.

Meanwhile, following the acceptance of Ashraf's resignation, the PCB's affairs now fall under the supervision of Election Commissioner Shah Khawar — who has been directed to expedite the formation of the BoG and ensure a swift and transparent election process.

As per Clause 2 of Article 7 of the PCB constitution, all powers are transferred to the Chief Election Commissioner in the event of a vacant chairman post.

Speaking to Geo News exclusively, caretaker Federal Minister for Privatisation and Inter-Provincial Coordination Fawad Hasan Fawad has confirmed the developments saying that interim PCB Chairman, Khawar, has been directed to expedite the formation of the BoG and ensure a swift and transparent election process.

The minister also confirmed that notification for Naqvi's nomination for PCB's BoG has been issued.

The current situation has set the stage for Naqvi to potentially become PCB chairman, who by the date of assuming charge, would have relinquished his duties as Punjab's chief executive owing to the culmination of the February 8 general elections, sources told Geo News.