As the tenure of Zaka Ashraf, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief, draws to a close, a cloud of controversy and allegations looms over his administration. Accused of “flagrant misdoings and unconstitutional decisions,” Ashraf’s leadership has come under scrutiny.
The allegations against Zaka Ashraf stem from an email sent by Zulfiqar Malik, a management committee member of PCB. Malik has accused Ashraf and the management committee of wrongful actions. He made these allegations public by sending a copy of the email not only to PCB but also to the Prime Minister’s Office and the Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) Ministry of Pakistan.
In his email, Malik pointed out that several decisions were made without consultation or approval from most members, leading to what he deemed “flagrant misdoings and unconstitutional decisions.” It is a matter of record, as Malik put it, to absolve himself from these decisions and actions.
“I have noted some flagrant misdoings and unconstitutional decisions by management that I wish to bring on record to absolve myself from the unconstitutional decisions and wrongdoings which have taken place over the period without consultation or approval of most members,” Malik wrote, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
Malik highlighted that Ashraf’s influence extended beyond day-to-day affairs, with numerous long-term decisions being made. One of the instances cited was the appointment of the former chief selector, Inzamam ul Haq, and the selection of various Directors, Consultants, officials, Scrutiny, and other Committees. All of these appointments and decisions were made without consultation or the approval of the majority of 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,” he added.
Furthermore, Malik questioned the substantial financial aspects, including the appointment of Inzamam ul Haq as Chief Selector at a hefty monthly fee of ₹2.5 million. He also raised concerns about the approval of various projects, the allocation of budgets, and the hiring of legal counsel at exorbitant rates. These actions were seen as a violation of the clear mandate of the management committee.
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“The appointment of Chief Selector (Inzamam ul Haq, who has now resigned) for three years on a hefty ₹2.5 million 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,” said Malik.
In response to these allegations, the PCB has defended its decision-making process, asserting that every decision adheres to the Constitution. According to PCB, their decisions have been aimed at ensuring the smooth day-to-day operations of the board. This response suggests that the PCB sees these accusations as unsubstantiated and is confident in its adherence to legal and constitutional frameworks.
“Every decision is taken according to the constitution. Any decisions have been taken to ensure day-to-day operations of the PCB continue unencumbered,” PCB reportedly said in response.
The email, dated October 3, brought the accusations to light. Within a week, the IPC sought a comprehensive report from the PCB regarding their operations, including updates on the progress towards elections. However, despite the request, the PCB has not provided a report as of yet. It leaves the situation in a state of uncertainty as the tenure of Zaka Ashraf’s administration is set to end on November 5.
