New constitutional amendments to "prove death knell for Pak cricket": Ex-PCB chief

Lahore, Jan. 8 (ANI): Former PCB Chairman Dr Nasim Ashraf has slammed the recent constitutional amendment which gives the Pakistani Sports Ministry a decisive role in PCB's policy-making process, saying the change "will prove the death knell for Pakistan cricket."

"This will prove death knell for Pakistan cricket. Nowhere in the world cricket boards are run by any government body. Even in the time of Justice Cornelius, the cricket board always kept its independence and autonomy for good reasons," The Dawn quoted Ashraf, as saying.

"One can only wonder at the motive of the sports ministry. This will further make cricket victim of political vagaries and bureaucratic red-tapsim," he added.

Dr Ashraf reckons that only a system in which an independent Governing Board headed by a chairman, who provides vision and leadership, can make Pakistan cricket more viable and competent.

"An independent Governing Board comprising regional presidents as well as technocrats should make up the full authority, with the chairman working as chief executive to provide leadership and vision to the Governing Board, "Ashraf said.

He added that he wished the authority should have considered taking the views of the former chairmen of the PCB.

"I wish the authority consider the views of the former chairmen of the PCB, who have no interest except love for the game and the country as they have played their innings," he said. (ANI)