Nasim Ashraf resigns as PCB chairman

Pakistan cricket chief Dr Nasim Ashraf on Monday resigned, a few hours after the resignation of President Pervez Musharraf.

Musharraf, who was also patron of the PCB, appointed Ashraf as the head of the board on October 6, 2006.

Nasim Ashraf, who arrived in Islamabad just today after spending two weeks in America, faxed his resignation to the President House.

Dr Nasim Ashraf told the News on telephone that he would present the details of his resignation on Wednesday at a news conference.

PCB chief operating officer Shafqat Naghmi, while talking with News, said that Dr Nasim Ashraf would continue to work at his position until a new chairman is appointed.

ICC decides to keep Champions Trophy in Pakistan

The International Cricket Council decided Thursday to keep September's Champions Trophy in Pakistan but it will appoint a commission to ensure security.

The decision came after the ICC's executive board held a teleconference to discuss the possibility of moving the biennial tournament because of security fears raised by Australia, England and New Zealand.

"The Champions Trophy will stay in Pakistan and we thank all member countries for their kind support,"

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Nasim Ashraf told a news conference.

"The ICC will be appointing a special taskforce to ensure that the implementation of the recommendations of the (ICC-commissioned) security report are indeed being met,"

Ashraf said.

The year's biggest one-day tournament, featuring the top eight one-day nations, is due to be held in Pakistan from September 11 to 28, with Australia as the defending champions.

ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat sought to allay fears players might pull out of the event, saying the council would do all in its power to ensure their safety.

"It's not something that I treat lightly, but I think it's something that we can manage,"

Lorgat told reporters in Sri Lanka.

"We have to separate perception from reality. While those concerns exist, we will do our utmost to assure them (players) we would not go in a tournament where safety or security is going to be compromised."

Nasim Ashraf said the security commission would comprise ICC president David Morgan, vice president Sharad Pawar, Lorgat, principal advisor Inderjeet Bindra and himself.

It would also feature a representative from the tournament's official broadcasters, ESPN-Star, and a member of the Federation of International Cricketers' Association, he said.

Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik hailed the decision and vowed to make the tournament a success.

"I congratulate the people of Pakistan, who will now witness the best players playing in the event and we will all combine our efforts with the PCB and the government to make this tournament a great success,"

Malik said.

Pakistan's fate as tournament host was left hanging in the balance on Sunday after a security briefing in Dubai featuring all participating nations decided to wait for the ICC teleconference to announce a decision.

Players from Australia, England and New Zealand had raised security concerns Wednesday.

Australia are due to defend the title they won in 2006 against the West Indies. Hosts Pakistan, South Africa, the West Indies, England, India, Sri Lanka and New Zealand are the other teams taking part.

Pakistan to host ICC Champions Trophy: Dr. Nasim Ashraf

After months of speculation, dark clouds hovering over Pakistan have disappeared as the International Cricket Council's decision to go ahead with Pakistan as the final host of the Champions Trophy in September.

Addressing a press conference here, the Chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board, Dr. Nasim Ashraf has said that Pakistan will host the ICC Champions Trophy in September. He said many foreign players had expressed concerns about playing in Pakistan after which the ICC constituted a special Task Force to review security arrangements in Pakistan.

Dr. Nasim Ashraf said the Task Force would be headed by ICC President, David Morgan while Sharad Pawar; the President of BCCI would be Secretary. The PCB Chairman specially thanked India for supporting Pakistan. He termed Pakistan as the safest destination for holding the ICC Champions Trophy.

Dr Nasim Ashraf assumes charge as president ACC

The Chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Dr.Nasim Ashraf has earned another distinction when by taking charge of President of Asian Cricket Council (ACC) on Sunday.

He has assumed the charge of the continental body for the two-year term after the Annual General Body (AGB) meeting replacing Arjuna Ranatunga of Sri Lanka.

PPL renamed Twenty20 Super League

The proposed Pakistan Premier League (PPL) has been renamed the Twenty20 Super League, the Pakistan Cricket Board has announced. The league, planned for September next year, was conceived following the success of the recently-concluded Indian Premier League.

Nasim Ashraf, the PCB chairman, said the tournament will be modeled on the franchise system similar to the IPL

."We have had meetings with two international companies interested in the event and we are confident international companies will buy franchises in the Twenty20 league,"

Ashraf said after a meeting of the board's governing body in Lahore on Saturday.

Pakistan have replaced England in the inaugural Champions League tournament in September and October this year after the Indian board imposed restrictions on English counties selecting players linked to the Indian Cricket League. The tournament features the top two Twenty20 domestic teams from Australia, South Africa and the winner and runner-up in the IPL. It is expected that the top two teams of Pakistan's domestic Twenty20 tournament - proposed for August this year - will take part in the Champions League.

The PCB governing body has also decided against sacking the Pakistan coach Geoff Lawson, following the team's victory over India in the final of the Kitply Cup tri-series in Bangladesh recently. Lawson was earlier criticised for his team's inconsistent performances since taking over last year.

The governing body has also decided not to inquire into the sacking of Saleem Altaf, a senior board official, over allegations that he leaked sensitive information to the press.

"The matter was discussed by the members and the body feels there is no need for further investigations in the sacking case of Altaf,"

Ashraf said.

A budget of Rs 3.9 billion for the current fiscal year has been approved, with plans to build 35 new stadiums in the country and renovate existing ones.

Salim Altaf files petition against his sacking

Former Test Cricketer Salim Altaf has filed a petition in Lahore High Court to challenge his sacking by Pakistan Cricket Board today.

PCB had terminated Salim Altaf from the post of Director World Cup 2011, alleging he had passed on some secret information to media. Salim Altaf services are no more required, therefore, his contract has been terminated, PCB said.

LHC justice Ali Akbar Qureshi will hear Salim Altaf’s petition on Wednesday. Salim Altaf has denied to have any secret information.

Asif to reimburse expenses of his case : Nasim Ashraf

Mohammad Asif has to pay all expenses incurred by the PCB on his case.

This has been said by chairman PCB Dr. Nasim Ashraf during a briefing after the meeting of the PCB governing body here on Saturday.

He told that the board budget of Rs.3.9 billion has been approved in the meeting of the PCB governing body and 62 per cent of the budget would be spent on the promotion of cricket.

He said that there is no proposal of removing Geoff Lawson from the post of the coach.

PCB forms three-man committee for Asif inquiry

The PCB has constituted a three-man committee to investigate Mohammad Asif's 19-day detention in Dubai on allegations of possessing an illegal substance. Asif returned to Pakistan on Friday after Dubai authorities dropped the case on grounds of it being "insignificant." There remains confusion over whether he was deported, as media reports in Dubai claim, or 'repatriated', as the PCB claimed in a statement.

"They [the committee] have been asked to acquire all the documents related to the case, establish facts, and after a complete investigation, submit a report to me,"

Nasim Ashraf, the PCB chairman, said in Lahore.

"The same report will be sent to the ICC."

Of particular importance will be whether or not formal charges were actually laid down against Asif and whether he was subsequently pardoned. If no formal charges were placed, it could be that Asif escapes punishment altogether. But if charges have been placed and then withdrawn, it is likely Asif will face some sort of action, particularly as this is his second related offence.

The committee comprises of PCB officials Shaqfat Naghmi [chief operating officer], Zakir Khan [director - cricket operations], and Nadeem Akram [director - human resources], and they will begin their inquiry once they receive official records pertaining to the case from Dubai. Akram spent some time in Dubai handling Asif's case, though he came back before Asif was released.

"Based on the judgment's copy, we will consider whether Asif can be pardoned or not. A crime is a crime and any player who has committed it will be punished,"

Ashraf said.

"It is a relief that he has been released, but it is a fact that this incident caused a lot of embarrassment and gave sleepless nights to the board."

Ashraf also said the hakeem [physician] who, according to Asif had given him the substance, could be questioned.

"I have heard his [Asif's] point of view, and he told me that he was in possession of a pain killer given to him by an expert on natural herbs,"

he said.

"If needed, we will also summon the hakeem to record his statement to know what exactly was in possession with Asif."

Asif apologetic over Dubai episode

Fast bowler Muhammad Asif Friday apologized from the nation over whatever happened in Dubai and clarified that he had never used prohibited drugs.

Addressing a press conference after his meeting with Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Dr. Nasim Ashraf, he said he had tested negative for use of banned drugs before Indian Premier League and similarly also in Dubai.

President, PM urged to intervene in Asif case

The Senate committee for sports has appealed to President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani to intervene for getting fast bowler Mohammad Asif released, who is under-arrest in Dubai.

The meeting of the Senate committee for sports was held under senator Zafar Iqbal Chaudhry here on Wednesday at the Parliament House.

The committee expressed concern on the issue of not getting Mohammad Asif released who is under-arrest in Dubai for many weeks and said that the country is getting a bad name due to this incident.

Senator Anwar Baig demanded a life ban on Asif whereas senator Haroon Khan asked for his immediate release.

Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Dr. Nasim Ashraf said that the board would itself investigate the case of Mohammad Asif and if his crime is proved he would be punished according to law.

He told that the PCB is making efforts for getting Asif freed through the Pakistan embassy in Dubai.

Expressing satisfaction on monetary details of the PCB, the committee decided to review on quarterly basis the PCB accounts and the performance of the national cricket team.

ICC backs Pakistan to stage Champions Trophy

Pakistan was given a vote of confidence Tuesday by international cricket bosses as it gears up to host the Champions Trophy later this year.

International Cricket Council (ICC) president Ray Mali said he was confident Pakistan would put on a good tournament as the country had experience of running such events in the past.

The tournament, from September 11 to 28, involves all the major cricketing powers -- Australia, South Africa, India, England, Pakistan, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and the West Indies.

Pakistan also host the six-nation Asia Cup involving defending champions Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates from June 24 to July 6.

Mali, who arrived with other ICC officials for Wednesday's launch of the Champions Trophy, said:

"The Asia Cup will give Pakistan an opportunity to rehearse for the Champions Trophy."

Mali and other ICC officials held talks with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over preparations for the event.

PCB chairman Nasim Ashraf gave assurances on security.

"The ICC is launching the event in Lahore on Wednesday and that is an ample proof that there are no problems. We have made foolproof security arrangements for the event,"

said Nasim Ashraf.

It will be the first time that Pakistan has staged a major sporting event since hosting a quadrangular tournament in 1997. Pakistan also hosted some matches of the 1996 World Cup with India and Sri Lanka.

Australia put off their March-April tour to Pakistan this year over security fears.

FICA concerned about security in Pakistan

Tim May, chief executive of the Federation of International Cricketers' Associations, has criticised the decision to hold the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, given the security situation in the country. He said

"absolutely nothing has changed"

in the three months since Australia postponed their Pakistan tour after safety concerns.

"FICA is very concerned about the inherent risks of holding such an event in Pakistan in such a landscape of unrest and volatility and opposition to Western countries,"

May said.

"FICA is not alone in its concern regarding holding this event in Pakistan, compounded by the timing of the event in terms of the religious celebration of Ramadan and the anniversary of the September 11 attacks in New York."

A ten-member ICC panel, headed by its president, Ray Mali, is currently in Pakistan for the launch and to inspect the facilities at the tournament's venues. Mali said he was confident Pakistan's past experience in hosting such events will aid them put up a good show in September.

"The Asia Cup [which starts next week] will give Pakistan an opportunity to rehearse for the Champions Trophy,"

Mali said.

Mali and other ICC officials held talks with the Pakistan Cricket Board over preparations for the event.

"The ICC is launching the event in Lahore on Wednesday and that is an ample proof that there are no problems,"

Nasim Ashraf, the PCB chairman, said.

"We have made foolproof security arrangements for the event."

An ICC team of security experts had visited Pakistan last month to assess whether the country was safe enough for hosting the Champions Trophy in September and were reportedly satisfied with the security arrangements.

However, FICA along with other players' associations, including the Australian Cricketers Association, will commission its own independent report, expected to be completed in a fortnight.

Cricket Australia will bring up any concerns it has with the ICC's security assessment at the meeting of the ICC's executive board in Dubai later this month.

"The welfare of the Australian team and team management is paramount,"

Cricket Australia spokesman Peter Young said.

"But we have a responsibility to world cricket and the continued development of the game as a global sport so we'd like to see the Pakistan tour succeed."

While the Asian Cricket Council had been satisfactied with the security arrangements in Pakistan for the upcoming Asia Cup, beginning next week, New Zealand allrounder Jacob Oram had recently expressed concerns over his team's security ahead of their three-match ODI series in Pakistan in late August.

PCB advisor grassroots resigns

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) advisor grassroots Javaid Zaman resigns following sacking of three top PCB officials.

According to reports, Javed Zamans decision to resign comes after a charge sheet prepared against him by the PCB officials.

Zaman also served as board's election commissioner but was demoted 2 months back and the designation was later handed over to Brigadier (retd) Munawer Rana.

Talking to Geo, Zaman denied differences with Chairman Cricket board Nasim Ashraf and added the decision is due to his personal engagements.

PCB sacks Saleem Altaf

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has sacked Saleem Altaf, Director of Special Project on World Cup 2011 with immediate effect.

Saleem Altaf said he had been accused of leaking a confidential email to the media which criticised the team.

The PCB confirmed that former fast bowler Saleem Altaf, who was overseeing the 2011 World Cup to be hosted in the subcontinent, was fired, but a top official played down the incident.

"Saleem Altaf's services were no more required but I would not say he was accused of leakage to the media,"

PCB chief operating officer Shafqat Naghmi said.

But Altaf said he was sacked after local media published an email by the PCB chief accusing the national team of lacking commitment after they suffered their biggest-ever defeat against arch-rivals India this week.

"I have worked to the best of sincerity and honesty but today PCB chairman Nasim Ashraf called me to his office and accused me of leaking news to the media,"

Altaf told.

"He gave me the option of resigning or else said that he would sack me,"

Altaf added.

Saleem Altaf, 64, who played 21 Tests for Pakistan in the 1970s as a medium fast bowler, was made director for special projects after serving as chief executive of the PCB until September last year.

Altaf said he would consult an attorney.

"After I left Ashraf's room he came to my office and told me to read the transcript of a taped conversation which had my voice. He accused me of leaking secrets to the media,"

Altaf said.

"I replied that most of the things in the transcript were public knowledge and nothing is proved in the transcript. I will consult my lawyer and then decide my course of action,"

said Altaf.

India thrashed Pakistan by 140 runs in the tri-series match held in Dhaka, Bangladesh on Tuesday. They posted a formidable 330-8 and then bowled Pakistan out for a paltry 190.

"The performance against India was embarrassing,"

Ashraf wrote in the email published in the media.

"It is not a question of losing a match but our overall performance and the lack of resolve and commitment bothered me the most,"

it added.

The email, which was addressed to manager Talat Ali and copied to captain Shoaib Malik and Pakistan's Australian coach Geoff Lawson, demanded swift action.

It was unclear how Altaf was alleged to have obtained the email.

"Please discuss these points and give us your considered response within the next 24 hours so that timely action can be taken before the next match against India on the 14th which will be the final,"

the message said.

India take on Bangladesh on Thursday, with Pakistan set to meet their foes again on Saturday.

Nasim Ashraf criticised the selection of the team, which did not include a regular spinner.

"The previous game against Bangladesh had clearly highlighted the characteristics of the track in Dhaka, that the spinners were going to play a crucial role,"

said Ashraf of Pakistan's 70-run win over the hosts on Sunday.

PCB chief blasts team after defeat from India

Pakistan's cricket chief on Thursday accused the national team of lacking commitment after they suffered their biggest-ever defeat against arch-rival India.

India thrashed Pakistan by 140 runs in the tri-series match held in Dhaka, Bangladesh on Tuesday. They posted a formidable 330-8 and then bowled Pakistan out for a paltry 190.

"The performance against India was embarrassing,"

Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Nasim Ashraf wrote in the e-mail published in the Pakistani media.

"It is not a question of losing a match but our overall performance and the lack of resolve and commitment bothered me the most,"

it added.

The email, which was addressed to manager Talat Ali and copied to captain Shoaib Malik and Pakistan's Australian coach Geoff Lawson, demanded swift action.

"Please discuss these points and give us your considered response within the next 24 hours so that timely action can be taken before the next match against India on the 14th which will be the final,"

the message said.

Ashraf criticised the selection of the team, which did not include a regular spinner.

"The previous game against Bangladesh had clearly highlighted the characteristics of the track in Dhaka, that the spinners were going to play crucial role,"

said Ashraf of Pakistan's 70-run win over hosts on Sunday.

"The team selected for India game had four fast bowlers. Also, you clearly told me that Malik was 100 per cent fit and therefore was the second spinner in the side. What happened to that? Why did Malik not bowl?"

Ashraf also lashed out at poor fielding against India. Pakistan dropped three crucial catches to allow the Indian openers Viredar Sehwag (89) and Gautum Gambhir (62) put on 155 for the opening stand.

"We dropped some catches in the beginning as well but, watching from here, one felt that we were paralysed in the field. Nobody suggested to the captain that he must have a mini conference -- and take corrective action."

Ashraf criticised wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal for claiming an unfair catch.

"Wicketkeeping was pathetic, especially after Akmal dropped the catch and pretended that he had held on to it," said Ashraf of the catch which Akmal successfully claimed of Sehwag, later ruled not out by the third umpire.

"This is unsporting behaviour but perhaps one has to give him the benefit of the doubt as he may not have realised that the ball had slipped out from his hand, which was picked up by the cameras. I do not want such behaviour from any Pakistani player."

Pakistan also face India and Sri Lanka in the six-nation Asia Cup which they host from June 24-July 6.

PCB chairman withdraws lawsuit against Shoaib

The chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Dr.Nasim Ashraf has withdrawn a 220 million rupees lawsuit against fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, PCB lawyer Tafazzul Rizvi said Tuesday.

PCB Chairman Dr Nasim Ashraf filed the defamation suit in a civil court after Shoaib accused him of demanding money from him and other players to allow them to play in a lucrative Twenty20 league in India.

The allegations came after Shoaib was banned for five years by the PCB's disciplinary committee for several counts of indiscipline.

Interior ministry advisor Rahman Malik, had intervened in the matter as per direction of PPP co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari and settled the issue.

Shoaib Akhtar can play outside Pakistan

Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar was cleared Wednesday to resume his career outside the country.

"Akhtar can play anywhere in the world except for Pakistan,''

said Farrukh Aftab, chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board appeal tribunal, told reporters.

He said that Shoaib could not play cricket within Pakistan and for the national team.

The fast bowler however has not been banned to play cricket outside Pakistan. He said the disciplinary committee has only imposed ban on him over playing in Pakistan.

The committee chairman further said that the fast bowler would not be selected for the national team for five years.

Replying a question he said the ban on Shoaib has not been softened due to any pressure.

Shoaib Akhtar tenders apology to tribunal

Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has tendered an unconditional apology to a tribunal hearing his appeal against a five-year ban, the tribunal head said
Tuesday.

The 32-year-old paceman was banned earlier this month for breaching the players' code of conduct by publicly criticising the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after he was not offered a central contract in January.

The three-member tribunal, headed by retired judge Aftab Farrukh, met here Monday and will meet again on Wednesday to take a decision on the maverick Shoaib Akhtar's appeal.

"After arguments from both sides, Akhtar voluntarily asked to tender an unqualified apology to all the public, the chairman of the PCB and all his teammates for his actions,"

Justice Aftab said.

Shoaib Akhtar lashed out at the PCB in January after he was dropped from the list of 15 contracted players, following Pakistan's 1-0 defeat against arch rivals India a month before.

He was already on two-years' probation for hitting teammate Mohammad Asif with a bat a few days before the Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa in September last year.

A statement read by Akthar's lawyer said:

"I (Akhtar) would like to apologise from the bottom of my heart for any grief or embarrassment that may have been caused to the nation, particularly to the PCB chairman Nasim Ashraf.

"I have resolved to alter my habits to refrain from such incidents in future and I will obey the PCB rules and regulations,"

the statement said.

Justice Farrukh said the tribunal will now wait for the PCB's response.

"Though Akhtar's apology has made the case easier to decide, we have to see what is the PCB's response. His apology may bring a mitigation factor in the case. The punishment may be reduced or it can be increased too,"

Justice Farrukh said.

No financial irregularities in PCB: Nasim Ashraf

Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Dr Nasim Ashraf, said on Thursday that no financial irregularities were committed in the Board and a wrong impression was being portrayed in a section of the press in this regard.

“We are running the PCB in a transparent manner and it is wrong to say that financial irregularities have been committed,”

he told reporters here at Gaddafi Stadium.

He said a probe will be conducted to know the responsible persons for providing wrong information to the Senate regarding salaries of some Board officials.

“We respect the Parliament and we are ready to provide all information to them besides extending cooperation on cricket related matters,”

he said.

The PCB Chief said a delegation of the game’s ruling body, the International Cricket Council (ICC), will be reaching here today (Friday) to discuss a number of issues relating to security, marketing and finances for staging the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan in September this year.

PCB sues Shoaib Akhtar for Rs 200 million

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) sued fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar for 200 million rupees (three million dollars) on Thursday for making allegedly defamatory comments after he was banned for five years.

Shoaib Akhtar was banned by the PCB on Tuesday, a move that effectively ends his career after a series of disciplinary problems culminating in a public outburst against the board for not giving him a contract.

"We demand immediate retraction of allegations from Shoaib Akhtar in various statements which were malicious and baseless,"

PCB chairman Dr Nasim Ashraf told a foreign news agency.

"He must apologise and pay damages of 100 million rupees to the PCB and damages of 100 million rupees to me."

In a letter made public by the board, lawyers for PCB chairman Nasim Ashraf demanded the money for a "malicious and vile piece of defamation" allegedly made by Akhtar in a television interview on Wednesday.

In the interview with a private television channel, Shoaib Akhtar alleged that Nasim Ashraf had "pressurised you for and tried to extort from you" payments from Akhtar's
Indian Premier League contract, and that the five-year ban was a response to Shoaib Akhtar's alleged refusal, the letter said.

Shoaib Akhtar and several other Pakistan players have signed for the multi-billion dollar IPL, which starts from April 18.

The lawyers' letter said he should pay Nasim Ashraf 100 million rupees "for defaming him personally" and the same amount again "for sullying the name of the Pakistan Cricket Board and the Pakistan cricket team."

It was further said in the letter that if Shoaib Akhtar fails to pay the damages the the Pakistan Cricket Board is authorized to take further legal action against him.