Amid the ongoing tussle between the ruling collation in Pakistan, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) interim chief Najam Sethi pulls out of the race for the next chairman. Notably, last year, when Ramiz Raza left the post, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appointed Sethi as interim chairman of PCB. The interim committee’s tenure is set to expire on Wednesday this week.
However, Sethi who was leading the race took to Twitter on Monday and said that he will not bid for the post. He said, “Salaam everyone! I don’t want to be a bone of contention between Asif Zardari and Shehbaz Sharif. Such instability and uncertainty are not good for PCB. Under the circumstances, I am not a candidate for the Chairmanship of PCB. Good luck to all stakeholders.”
The prime minister is the guardian of the Pakistan Cricket Board and appoints two members to the PCB board of governors, one of whom is chosen, as chairman. The Pakistan Peoples Party, led by Asif Ali Zardari, is Sharif’s coalition partner in government, and in recent weeks has requested that its candidate be appointed as the new PCB chairman because he holds the sports ministry in the alliance.
Najam Sethi made some great decisions as PCB chief
It’s worth noting that, journalist turned cricket administrator Najam Sethi has been one of the biggest strengths for PCB in the last few months. He challenged Apex Cricket Council and Indian Cricket Board to host Asia Cup 2023 in Pakistan. He also appointed Micky Arthur and Morne Morkel as Director of Cricket and Bowling Coach respectively. Sethi also appointed Grant Bradburn as the head coach of the team.
Sethi also convinced India and other members of the Asian Cricket Council to play the upcoming Asia Cup in the hybrid model. In the proposed model Pakistan will host the first four games of the tournament while Sri Lanka will host the next nine games. The Asia Cup 2023 will kick off on August 31 and will be played in the ODI format. This is one of the biggest Victories for Pakistan as they bid to host Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan and hosting Asia Cup will help them a lot.
Here is how fans react to Najam Sethi’s decisions:
Wise decision, well done in PCB. We are hoping to see you back in media. You and your churiya are highly missed.
— Syed Faraz Darvesh (@FarazDarvesh) June 19, 2023
Time to play journalism again!
— Hamza (@Hamzakk) June 19, 2023
So he resigned?
For godsake tell me is there anything that's stable in pak?— Sujal (@Sujal_Pandey07) June 19, 2023
Well done ? You don't deserve this Post.
One of the Best Decision of Asif Zardari ??— Noman Sarwar (@dexterousbunny) June 19, 2023
Good decision. But it is unfortunate.
— Zafar Hijazi (@ZafarHijazi) June 19, 2023
Besides delivering empty threats to BCCI , and restoring Sui Gas and Wapda like teams, you don't have much to show for Mr. Sethi.
Please get lost and stay lost.— ????? (@cemperfi) June 19, 2023
Best wishes for the predictions of your chirryas now.
— Out of Context Pakistan (@Umairiology) June 19, 2023
Good time to leave PCB as caretaker setup is looming.
— Raza Hassan (@RazaSHassan) June 19, 2023
Removing you from this post is the only good news we will hear after regime change . Anyone can come but not you
— imran (@imran050219) June 19, 2023
Wise decision…
— Usama Shaukat (@ushaukatj) June 19, 2023
Translation: I will become a journalist now and continue to make people chootia in that capacity, thanks!
— Hammad (@Hammad7467) June 19, 2023
