The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Management Committee head Zaka Ashraf is facing allegations of flagrant misdoings and unconstitutional decisions from a member of his own management committee as his tenure nears an end.
Ashraf's four-month tenure is set to conclude on November 5. However, there is uncertainty surrounding its continuation, with the management committee member's charges indicating growing concern and dissatisfaction with Ashraf's leadership, both within and outside the organization.
Zulfiqar Malik, a member of the management committee, has raised these allegations in an email addressed to Ashraf and the management committee.
As per ESPNcricinfo, in an email to the Prime Minister's Office and the Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) ministry, Malik has accused Zaka Ashraf and the administration of:
- Failing its legal, prescribed mandate, which was to manage only the board's daily affairs and not make long-term decisions
- Ignoring directives from the IPC to hold board elections so that the interim set-up finishes, and a chairman is appointed
- Failing to provide his degree certificate, which is a prerequisite for becoming a PCB chairman
- Allowing his son Chaudhry Khan Mohammad to meddle informally in board matters
- Misusing the office of the PCB election commissioner to carry out political victimisation of opponents and running rigged elections in regions
"I have noted some flagrant misdoings and unconstitutional decisions by management that I wish to bring on record," Malik wrote.
He further stated that the email is an attempt "to absolve myself from the unconstitutional decisions and wrongdoings which have taken place over the period of time without consultation or approval of most members".
"[But] this MC led by Mr Zaka Ashraf has not confined itself to day to day affairs and has taken many long term decisions which violate the mandate given to this MC," Malik added.
"The appointment of Chief Selector (Inzamam ul Haq, who has now resigned) for three years on hefty Rs 2.5 million pm (per month), appointment of several Directors, Consultants, officials, Scrutiny and other Committees, approval of various projects and budget, huge expenses on different heads, hiring of legal counsels on exorbitant rates and removal or sidelining some key officials fall in the categories of long term decisions in violation of the clear cut mandate of the MC."
"Turning deaf ears on IPC Ministry's directives… for holding Chairman election was the most serious violation that Zaka Ashraf and this MC committed".
Meanwhile, in response to Malik's allegations, the PCB said, "Every decision is taken according to the constitution. Any and all decisions have been taken to ensure day-to-day operations of the PCB continue unencumbered."
The email was sent on October 3. A week later, the IPC requested the PCB to furnish a thorough report on their activities, which should include updates on their progress towards elections, a list of all appointments they've made, and details of the contracts they've entered into. This request was marked as "Most immediate", yet the PCB has not subsequently submitted the report. In his email, Malik has levelled accusations against Ashraf and the administration:
"Matters between IPC and PCB are internal and PCB would not like to offer a comment on its dealings with IPC," the board said. "Needless to add that there exists a constant flow of communication between PCB and IPC."
In August, the IPC had sent a note to the Prime Minister that appeared to cast doubt on Ashraf's future. However, amidst a political transition, nothing came of it.
Ashraf is reported to have recently met with the interim Prime Minister, Anwar ul Haq Kakar, in Islamabad. Kakar, as the patron of the board, holds Ashraf's fate in his hands. The details of the meeting are not yet known, but it has led one official to suggest that Ashraf's primary aim during this period has been to secure an extension, at least until a more favourable political establishment takes charge at the federal level.
It is possible that a notification could be issued over the weekend, although it is more likely that something will emerge at the beginning of next week.