PCB Management Committee Chairman Najam Sethi on Monday night announced his exit from the board’s chairmanship race as he did not want to become a “bone of contention” among partners in the coalition government.
Describing the atmosphere of uncertainty and instability as unfavorable for the board, he said that he has decided to withdraw from the PCB chairmanship race. On Tuesday, he tweeted that I don’t want to be the basis of controversy between Asif Zardari and Shahbaz Sharif.
Salaam everyone! I don’t want to be a bone of contention between Asif Zardari and Shehbaz Sharif. Such instability and uncertainty is not good for PCB. Under the circumstances I am not a candidate for Chairmanship of PCB. Good luck to all stakeholders.
— Najam Sethi (@najamsethi) June 19, 2023
“Such instability and uncertainty is not good for PCB. In these circumstances I am not a candidate for PCB chairmanship. Best wishes to all stakeholders.”
Sethi had expressed similar sentiments a few days ago, when he said that he did not want to get involved in the controversy.
Speaking to the media in Lahore on Friday, he said that I have heard speculations about the chairmanship of PCB. I am not involved in this matter as it depends on the guardian. He also said that he would accept any decision taken by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who is also the patron of the PCB.
“Our mandate was to restore the 2014 constitution. At the moment, we are ready for elections with regional and departmental representatives on the board. We are waiting for two nominees, after which I will announce the elections.
“If you ask me, I don’t want to make a mess. If Patron and Zardari want me to continue, I will be fine with that. If they want Zaka to be the chairman, I welcome their decision. Will go and leave,” he added.
The appointment of PCB chairman has become a bone of contention between the ruling coalition government’s People’s Party and Muslim League-N.
People’s Party wants former PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf to return to the post while PML-N wants Najam Sethi to continue his job in PCB.
The PPP’s position on this issue is that since its minister is the head of the inter-provincial liaison division and the PCB is related to the ministry, its chairman should be appointed by the party itself.
