PCB appoints Central Punjab, Northern chief executives

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed chief executives for Central Punjab and Northern regions, moving towards its objective of decentralisation of the country’s cricket.

Abdullah Khurram Niazi, a former first-class cricketer who played 11 matches from 2001-03, has been appointed as the chief executive of the Central Punjab Cricket Association. He holds a master’s degree in Economics from Punjab University and has 11 years experience of serving in the public sector.

Najeeb Sadiq, who has been appointed as the chief executive of the Northern Cricket Association, holds two master’s degrees in Information Sciences and Business Administration. Najeeb completed his post-graduation in Information Sciences from University of London in United Kingdom in 1989 after completing his MBA from University of Peshawar in 1987.

Najeeb is an executive director at ZTE Corporation.

These two appointments have been made for three years. Their responsibilities will include curating strategies for effective management of day-to-day activities, establishing protocols to ensure efficient utilisation of resources for the growth and promotion of the game by creating strong networks at the grassroots, supervising the first registration of clubs under each city cricket association as per applicable regulations/bylaws, and monitoring and organising cricket events.

Abdullah said: “I am honoured to be a part of the Central Punjab Cricket Association. I have always been a cricket enthusiast, and taking up this position at the CPCA has provided me with a perfect opportunity of playing a role in the development of cricket in the country.”

Najeeb said: “I have been extremely lucky to have the privilege of playing cricket across the globe and thereafter working in leadership roles in multinational organisations. However, nothing felt as exciting as getting the opportunity to . . . serve as the chief executive of the Northern Cricket Association.”