PCB welcomes LHC decision to dismiss petition against its new constitution

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday welcomed the Lahore High Court’s decision to vacate an application to suspend the PCB Constitution 2019, which was promulgated by the Government of Pakistan and came into existence on August 19.

During Wednesday’s proceedings, the PCB stated, a second attempt was made by the same petitioners to challenge and suspend the operation of the new PCB Constitution 2019 by filing a fresh case. The Lahore High Court refused to grant a stay and issued notices to PCB to present its response at the next date of hearing. No date of hearing has been fixed thus far.

Additionally, the Lahore High Court was pleased to dismiss more than a dozen cases relating to the election commission as well as grievances of terminated employees.

“The PCB welcomes the judgement of the Honourable Lahore High Court Judge Mr Justice Shahid Waheed, who dismissed the application to suspend the PCB Constitution 2019," said  PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani.

“It was obvious to all the knowledgeable and passionate cricket fans and followers that the intentions of the petitioners were mala fide and were aimed at disrupting Pakistan cricket activities and bringing embarrassment to the PCB and the country.

“The petitioners had approached the court to protect their personal and financial interests with complete disregard to the fact that their action could have resulted in severe impact on the 2019-20 domestic cricket programme. This ploy has been defeated on solid legal grounds and the PCB will now swiftly move to announce the new domestic structure and commence the 2019-20 season on September 14.

“The 2019-20 season will be a season of celebration for Pakistan’s cricket fans as we host Sri Lanka for three ODIs and as many T20Is from September 27 to October 9. Furthermore, high-powered delegations from Cricket Australia and the England and Wales Cricket Board will be visiting in September and October , respectively as part of our preparations for their future tours to Pakistan.

“The Honourable Court’s decision now provides complete clarity. The PCB will now finalise arrangements for the 2019-20 season without further delays.”