Najam Sethi withdraws from chairmanship of PCB

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Management Committee Chairman Najam Sethi announced on Monday night via his Twitter account that he was withdrawing from the race for the board’s chairmanship as he did not wish to be a “source of contention” between the political partners in the coalition government.

Referring to the atmosphere of uncertainty and instability as unsuitable for the board, he stated that he was going to step aside from the race for the PCB’s chairmanship. “I don’t wish to be a source of contention between Asif Zardari and Shehbaz Sharif,” he tweeted on Tuesday.

“Such instability and uncertainty are not conducive to the PCB. Given the circumstances, I am not a candidate for the Chairmanship of the PCB. Good luck to all stakeholders.”

Sethi expressed similar sentiments a few days ago, emphasising his reluctance to be involved in the controversy.

“I have heard speculation surrounding the PCB chairmanship. I do not involve myself in this matter as it depends on the patron,” he said while speaking to media in Lahore on Friday. He also mentioned that he would accept any decision made by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who is also the PCB’s patron.

“Our responsibility was to restore the 2014 constitution. At this point, we are prepared for elections with regional and departmental representatives on board. We are awaiting two nominees, after which I will announce the election.

“If you ask me, I do not want a mess. If the patron and Zardari sahab want me to continue, I will be okay with it. If they want Zaka sahab to become the chairman, I would welcome their decision and step down,” he added.

The appointment of the PCB chairman has become a point of contention between the ruling coalition government’s two main political partners.

The Pakistan People Party (PPP) desires the return of former PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf to the post, while the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) wishes for Sethi to continue his role at the PCB.

The PPP’s stance on the matter is that since its minister heads the Inter-Provincial Coordination Division and the PCB is related to the ministry, its chairman should be appointed by the party.