SC reinstates Najam Sethi as PCB Chairman

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan (SC) has restored Najam Sethi as the chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) while the court has suspended the Islamabad High Court’s (IHC) decision to reinstate Zaka Ashraf as the head, Geo News reported on Wednesday.

The court has also ordered to restore the administrating committee of the PCB.

It may be mentioned here that the IHC had reinstated Ashraf Zaka as PCB chairman on May 17 after which the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination had challenged the IHC decision in SC on Tuesday.

On May 17, Justice Noorul Haq Qureshi of the IHC suspended the management committee appointed by the prime minister, being the Patron-in-Chief of the PCB, and reinstated Zaka Ashraf as the chairman of the cricket board.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on 10th February this year sacked Ashraf and appointed a committee chaired by Najam Sethi to oversee the cricketing matters. Asma Jehangir, former president of Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), filed the petition on behalf of the Ministry under Article 185(3) of the Constitution for leave to appeal against the IHC judgment.

The petitioner made Arbab Altaf Hussain, member Scrutiny Committee PCB, and Brig (R) Sajjad Hameed, Director HR and Administration, as respondents.

Asma questioned how the single bench of IHC “illegally” assumed jurisdiction as neither the respondent No1 Arbab Altaf Hussain was a resident of Islamabad nor were the honorary services of Arbab hired or terminated in Islamabad. She said even the principal office of PCB is not in Islamabad, adding of the 25 petitions heard by IHC, none of petitioner lived in Islamabad but they were from Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhawa and Punjab.

The petitioner submitted that the impugned judgment has mixed up the notion of natural justice with the maintainability of a petition filed by an employee whose employment is regulated through non-statutory rules.

The IHC judgment has assumed that the management committee (MC) was not authorised to initiate long-term decisions as the preamble to SRO No 4-14/2008. IPC-S-11 clearly depicts the mind of the Patron in appointing MC. The MC had undertaken serious reforms in drafting constitution and submitting the same to the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination.

The petitioner contended that Chairman Zaka Ashraf with a dysfunctional Board started his vendetta against professionals associated with the PCB. This has been a regular pattern and PCB cannot be allowed to be treated as a personal fiefdom of any Board of Governors or its chairman.

The IHC judgment has created a situation that will have long-term detrimental effect on PCB if not reversed promptly and it will ruin the game of cricket, the petitioner said, adding that the judgment has not only annulled the notification dated 10-02-2014 in utter violation of the judgments of the Supreme Court, but also struck down all acts, orders passed with long-term implications.

The judgment has throughout erroneously termed the MC, as interim MC, whereas the Patron had set up the MC to clean up the PCB. “The (IHC) judgment has struck a fatal blow to PCB and cricket, which will cost PCB heavily in terms of financial loss and credibility in international cricket.” the petitioner contended.

Earlier, the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination had filed an intra-court appeal (ICA) in the IHC for restoration of Najam Sethi. The IHC informed the petitioner in writing that no division bench was available and is not likely to be available for a considerable period of time to hear the ICA as there are three judges working at the court. One of the judges is the author of the impugned judgment and another is the author of judgment delivered in writ petition 2241/2013 that had initially dismissed Zaka Ashraf from office.

Sethi had nothing to do with selling PCB rights: Imran hospital audit body chief

 

LONDON: The former president of the International Cricket Council (ICC) and a senior Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) adviser Ehsan Mani has said that Najam Sethi, ex-PCB chairman, had nothing to do with the bidding procedures or sports rights for the cricket series against Sri Lanka.
Geo TV’s detractors and Najam Sethi’s critics, without presenting any evidence, have alleged that Sethi, who hosts one of the most watched current affairs shows on Geo called ‘Aapas Ki Baat’, may have helped Geo Super get the sporting rights for the Pakistan-Sri Lanka series held in the United Arab Emirates last year.

But in an exclusive interview over phone with this correspondent from France, Ehsan Mani, who was the head of the PCB committee that approved the Geo Sports’ bid for the Sri Lanka/South Africa series, expressed shock that such baseless allegations were aired without giving any thought to the facts.

Ehsan Mani is a board member of Imran Khan’s Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital and a friend of Imran Khan — who has led the campaign of allegations against the Jang and Geo Group, accusing the group of being involved in election rigging and winning favours from Nawaz Sharif — but Mani said he was astonished that such allegations were being made knowingly by some whose aim was to malign rather than to do anything good.

But the stern rebuttal by Ehsan Mani will come as a shock to Imran Khan who faces court cases from Jang and Geo over these allegations.

Ehsan Mani clarified: “The committee that I headed comprised Justice Shabbar Rizvi, an ex-Lahore High Court judge, Ahmed Hussain and a lawyer. It had three PCB management members Subhan Ahmed, COO, Badar Khan, CFO, and Salman Naseer, PCB’s internal legal adviser. It has had an ex-PCB Board member Bughio, a close aide of Zaka Ashraf.

“It was on my request that renowned accounting firmErnst & Young was taken on board to oversee all the process and to ensure that the whole bidding process was independent and transparent. The aim was to ensure transparency so that no bidder should be given undue advantage. Ernst and Young made the final report with recommendations and sent it to the PCB.”

Ehsan Mani said that the highest bidders were Ten Sports and Geo and they were recommended on the basis of the merit of their bids, the highest amounts they put down to win these rights. “Najam Sethi wasn’t involved at any stage. He had nothing to do with the bidding at any of the stages. There was only one PCB representative Bughio who sat in the meeting as an observer. Najam Sethi didn’t have any influence at any stage. There was no pressure, corruption or manipulation. Everything was independent and the bid was open, negotiations were opened and on board. Everything was on record and minutes were taken down.”

After the bids were received, Mani said, the committee only recommended to the PCB board that the South African series shall go to Ten Sports and the rights for Sri Lanka shall go to Geo Super. “We had no power other than to make recommendations. The PCB governing body finalised the decision. There was no interference at all at any level, there’s no question of any pressure. It was not possible. The highest bidder won and it’s simple. The terms and conditions were provided in writing in advance to all the parties involved.”

Ehsan Mani refused to disclose how much money was offered by Geo Super and Ten Sports because it was “confidential” but he stressed that the rights were won by the highest and the most competitive bidders. “There is no doubt about that. This is all on the record. Ernst & Young witnessed the negotiations and recorded everything. Their report was confidential and private which we didn’t see. Everyone involved was satisfied with the procedures and no objections were raised.”

When asked if the chairman PCB could manipulate at any stage using his powers, Ehsan Mani said that the process of establishing committees was such that the chairman couldn’t do anything. “The PCB chairman cannot manipulate. When I was approached to be a part of this committee, I said I will help.”

Mani said that he has been helping the Pakistan cricket since 1992 and had been involved in many deals and at various stages. “My only condition was that this committee will be independent and the PCB chairman will not be involved. The committee was completely independent and any involvement from any quarter was out of the question. I had done the ICC deal for $500 million in 2000. In 2006 and 2007, I was asked again by the ICC to help with their rights and one of the deals was done for $1.1 billion. When my reputation is so high and I am trusted so much, then why would I do anything untoward?”

When asked again if Najam Sethi had anything to do with the bidding process, Ehsan Mani said that Najam Sethi had no involvement. “Najam Sethi had absolutely no involvement. He couldn’t have done that. We followed a transparent procedure. No bidder knew who was offering what amount. No one knew what was on board. We wanted maximum money. We wanted maximum money for the PCB and that was our aim. Those who failed our targets failed to get the rights. All bidders were there and they knew what was going on.”

Ehsan Mani’s interview has proved the allegation leveled by Imran Khan, Mubashir Luqman and several TV channels as a complete lie. Several channels, particularly ARY, were alleging that Sethi favoured Geo in getting the cricket rights. Imran Khan leveled this allegation in his several TV interviews. He particularly attended Mubashir Luqman’s programme at ARY and repeatedly leveled this baseless allegation.

The Jang Group’s response to this allegation was present at its website, parts of social media and even published several times in newspapers, but no anchorperson ever asked any question from Imran Khan about the role and stand of Ehsan Mani, who is the chairman of the audit committee of Shaukat Khanum Hospital.

As Imran’s allegation has been proven a lie, the lawyers community in the UK is discussing what would be the worth of Imran’s other allegations against the Geo and Jang Group. They think Imran, who enjoys respect in the UK, will face embarrassment on failure to prove his charges against the Geo/Jang Group in the UK courts.

PCB appoints Waqar Younis as head coach

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced to appoint former Pakistan cricket captain and fast bowler Waqar Younis as head coach of the national team.

Waqar will join the Pakistan cricket team next month for a tenure of two years.

The national team will tour Sri Lanka for a series of Test matches, One-day Internationals and Twenty20 Internationals.

The former fast bowler expressed his joy over being appointed head coach stating that the focus was on the upcoming 2015 World Cup in Australia.

The PCB will make an announcement for the supporting coaching staff later.

This will be Waqar’s second stint as the coach of the national side having served in the position from 2010-2011. During this period he was also the coach for Pakistan’s 2011 World Cup squad.

PCB appoints Waqar Younis as head coach

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced to appoint former Pakistan cricket captain and fast bowler Waqar Younis as head coach of the national team.

Waqar will join the Pakistan cricket team next month for a tenure of two years.

The national team will tour Sri Lanka for a series of Test matches, One-day Internationals and Twenty20 Internationals.

The former fast bowler expressed his joy over being appointed head coach stating that the focus was on the upcoming 2015 World Cup in Australia.

The PCB will make an announcement for the supporting coaching staff later.

This will be Waqar’s second stint as the coach of the national side having served in the position from 2010-2011. During this period he was also the coach for Pakistan’s 2011 World Cup squad.

Basit Ali named PCB Junior chief selector

 

KARACHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Monday named former Test batsman Basit Ali as the head of a four-member Junior Selection Committee.

Former Test opener Ali Naqvi, former Test left-arm spinner Farrukh Zaman and Ali Zia of National Cricket Academy Lahore are the members of the selection committee.

Talking to reporters at the National Stadium before supervising Karachi Region Under-19 trials, he said it was a big responsibility and challenge for him.

Basit thanked PCB Chairman Najam Sethi for appointing him as junior chief selector and expressed the hope that he will try to fulfill his job to best of his abilities.

He said cricket had always been his love and priority and he was looking forward to give the country best junior talent available. Spotting talent and pure merit will be his main focus, he commented. (APP)

PCB announce 6-member selection committee

LAHORE: Pakistan cricket board (PCB) announced a 6-member selection committee on Thursday with Moin Khan appointed as chief selector, Geo News reported.

Other members of the committee are former wicket keeper Saleem Yousuf, Wajat ullah Wasti, M.Akram, Shoib Mohammad and Ijaz Ahmed.

M.Akram has been relieved of his duties as bowling coach of the Pakistan team and instead has been appointed as head coach of the National Cricket Academy (NCA).

Zaheer Abbas named principal advisor to Chairman PCB

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed former Test cricketer Zaheer Abbas as the Principle Advisor to PCB Chairman and Moin Khan as Chief Selector and Manager of national cricket team.

Zaheer Abbas is a member of the Management Committee of the PCB and his new assignment of Principal Advisor is honorary, said a spokesman of the PCB here on Monday.

Moin has previously served as Manager & Coach of Pakistan cricket team. He will be on deputation from PIA to PCB. (APP)

Butt wants PCB to treat banned players equally

ISLAMABAD: Former captain Salman Butt wants the Pakistan Cricket Board to treat banned players equally in their bid to resume their domestic and international careers.

In 2010, Butt and teammates Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif were jailed and banned for a minimum of five years by the International Cricket Council for bowling deliberate no-balls during a test match against England.

PCB chairman Najam Sethi has said he will fight at the ICC for Amir to resume playing at least domestic first class cricket later this year after ICC anti-corruption laws are amended in June. Sethi said top lawyers in UK have advised him that Butt and Asif do not have strong cases.

Butt says he would like Sethi to plead his case to the ICC like "he is doing for Amir."

 

PCB announces conditional support to ‘Big 3’

 

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced conditional support to the ‘Big 3’ of the International Cricket Council (ICC).The PCB said that Pakistan would play cricket against all member countries of the ICC from 2015 to 2023, reported Geo News on Thursday.PCB Chairman Najam Sethi told the media that all matters with the ICC members, including India, had been finalised. He said that Pakistan has put a condition of playing cricket against all members of the ICC.

PCB issues show cause to Afridi

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has issued a show cause notice to Shahid Afridi for his remarks about captaincy while talking to media on his return from Sri Lanka.

According to sources the PCB is unhappy with the hard-hitting all-rounder for talking to the media without prior permission.

Sources also revealed that Shahid Afridi has submitted his reply to the show cause notice stating that he always talks to the media, and only spoke his mind.

In his reply Shahid has also said the impression that he was desperate for the captaincy is wrong.

Talking to media after his return from Sri Lanka he had said that he was willing to accept any challenge for the Pakistan team and labeled the negative approach of batsmen for the defeat against West-Indies in the T-20 World Cup.

Former management of PCB rejected ICC’s ‘Big-4’ offer, says Sethi

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Najam Sethi said on Monday that Pakistan was offered to join the International Cricket Council’s “Big-4” party but after the former management rejected the offer, a “Big-3” panel was formed.

Before leaving to attend the ICC meeting, Sethi made the revelation at Lahore airport. “The three major stakeholders of the Big Three wanted Pakistan to be in their fold and made the offer to the former management but its rejection of the offer cost Pakistan big amount in return,” he maintained.

An official of the board said that the Big Three have the understanding that a large amount can be generated through the organisation of Pakistan-Indian series and keeping that in mind the offer was made.

“The then PCB management refused the offer and harmed the country’s cricketing interests as accepting the offer would have meant greater share in revenue and say in tour arrangements.“Now the ICC does not need Pakistan after the rejection of such a rare offer,” he added.

Sethi further said that his aim is to restore Pakistan-India cricket as such contests are not only cricketing but bring revenue, peace and prosperity to the regional cricket. “Apart from India, bilateral series with other cricketing nation has been finalised up till 2020,” he added.

Sethi said that Muhammad Hafeez set a good precedent by leaving the T20 captaincy and now he, himself will supervise the process of finding a new captain and coaching staff while no corruption and favouritism will be tolerated in this regard.

“There are no groupings in the team and the players are united under Misbahul Haq and there is no rift between him and Hafeez,” he added.On the appointment of Rashid Latif as chairman selection committee, he said that there would not be any favouritism in selection of the players with his appointment.