In a recent development, Pakistan cricket is embroiled in a new controversy as Zaka Ashraf, the chief of the PCB, faces accusations of “wrongdoings and unconstitutional decisions” as his tenure nears its end, according to a report by ESPNcricinfo.
Zulfiqar Malik, a management committee member of the PCB, has raised serious concerns against Zaka Ashraf and the management committee through email communication. The allegations not only stayed within internal discussions but also escalated, with a copy of the email being sent to the Prime Minister’s Office and the Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) Ministry of Pakistan.
Malik, in his email, explicitly pointed out instances of “wrongdoings and unconstitutional decisions” that have occurred over time without the necessary consultation or approval from most members of the PCB.
“I’ve observed clear wrongdoings and unconstitutional choices by the management. I want to document these to distance myself from the unconstitutional decisions and misconduct that occurred over time without consulting or getting approval from most members,” Malik stated in the email, as reported by ESPNcricinfo.
Highlighting specific examples, Malik emphasized that Zaka Ashraf, during his tenure, extended beyond day-to-day affairs and made several long-term decisions that contradicted the mandate given to the management committee.
“But this management committee, under Mr. Zaka Ashraf’s leadership, has gone beyond daily matters and made numerous long-term decisions that go against the mandate entrusted to this committee,” Malik added.
Malik outlined some of the contentious decisions, including the appointment of the former chief selector Inzamam ul Haq for three years on a substantial monthly salary, as well as other appointments of Directors, Consultants, and officials without proper consultation or approval from most members.
“The selection of Chief Selector (Inzamam ul Haq, who has since resigned) for a three-year term with a substantial monthly salary of ₹2.5 million, the appointment of multiple Directors, Consultants, officials, Scrutiny, and other Committees, approval of diverse projects and budget, significant expenses across various categories, engagement of legal counsels at excessive rates, and the removal or sidelining of key officials all fall within the realm of long-term decisions, violating the clear mandate of the management committee,” Malik added.
The PCB responded to these allegations by defending its decision-making process, asserting that it aligns every decision with the constitution and aims to ensure the day-to-day operations of the PCB continue without hindrance.
“All decisions are made in accordance with the constitution. Each decision is aimed at ensuring the uninterrupted day-to-day operations of the PCB,” stated PCB in its response.
Zulfiqar Malik sent the email on October 3, and a week later, the Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) Ministry requested a comprehensive report from the PCB on their operations, including updates on progress towards elections. However, as of now, the PCB has not provided the requested report.
Zaka Ashraf will conclude his four-month tenure as the head of the PCB administration on November 5.