SHC accepts Latif’s petition, issues notice to PCB
The PCB constitution must be overhauled to allow it to operate “in a fair and transparent manner”. -File photo by AFP
KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) has issued a notice to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), after accepting former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif’s petition that demanded sweeping reforms to the board and challenged its constitution.
Latif, Pakistan’s former wicketkeeper, went to court on Wednesday, demanding a restructuring of the board, and calling for the election of officials rather than their appointment.
He filed a petition against the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in the southern province of Sindh.
“Latif filed a petition against the PCB for the betterment of cricket,” said a statement from the Rashid Latif academy, which coaches young players.
It said the PCB constitution must be overhauled to allow it to operate “in a fair and transparent manner” and provide for the election of officials including the chairman.
The chairmanship is currently a political appointment in the gift of President Asif Ali Zardari. The process has been strongly criticised by experts and former players alike, including the World Cup-winning captain Imran Khan.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) last year directed member countries to free themselves of government interference by June 2013 and to ensure that presidents of cricket boards are elected.
Pakistan opposed the ruling, saying it needs government support to develop the game and ensure security as it tries to revive international cricket which was suspended after the Sri Lankan team was attacked in 2009.
“Latif is convinced that the powers assigned to the patron of PCB are in complete disregard and violation of the constitution as they smack of non-transparent and discriminatory approach,” said the statement.
“The blatant and admitted failure of government of Pakistan to amend or pass a new constitution in accordance with the directives of the ICC is a clear cut and flagrant violation,” it added.
Latif, who played 37 Tests and 166 one-day internationals for Pakistan, is widely respected for blowing the whistle on match-fixing in 1995.
Court cases in Pakistan can be deeply cumbersome and chronically delayed.
ALL PCB board members should be fired for destroying great Mohammad Yousuf career, and for creating politics in cricket. I hope Rashid Latif will continue to fight.
Political influence should be disallowed in any sport activity in our country, team selection should be on purely merit basis rather than political influence. Rashid Latif really did a good job .
Yes, sport and politic should be separate.
I hope the court hold the previous chairman Butt for destroying Mohammad Yousuf and other worthy cricketers careers!!!
Well Done Rashid ! good job, keep it up, majority of the nation is with you.
You have taken a very bold step and filed a petition in SHC againt PCB for reconstruing of the board. I agreed with you all the top officials of the PCB are to be elected not appointed by president or any other political persons. Rashid Bhai I salute you. Well done keep it up
Excellent move by Rashid latif……salute to you……..we need talent and loyal in every field of life through elections/merit
Rashid Latif..very right
Well done Latif. We have lot of respect for you. I hope it is not dumped in the piles of other several petitions pending in the “azad adaliya” who is playing politics politics nowadays.
What a bold and daring move. We need people like Rashid Latif in every field of life especially in sports like Squash, Hockey and Snooker. People like him can bring the winning glory back to Pakistan. May Allah help you and keep the intentions pure,Ameen.
Well done !
You have moral and financial support from us living abroad !
Good move Rashid. Keep it up, you are correct. Open a Bank account in this name and advertise in newspaper for donations to fight this menace. Plenty persons like me will support. We need talented players like Zaheer, Miandad, Imran, Sarfraz, Mohammad Yousuf not the present AVERAGE players who are all politcal selections.
You are spot on Capt C M Khan. Thank you Rashid Latif for standing up to the corrupt Pakistan Government. Let’s hope that you get more support from other cricketers and general public.
God Bless You! Ameen!
i think Mr.ZAKA ASHRAF is going in the direction. You will see the INDO-PAK cricket revival and international cricket will be back on our home soul very soon. INSHALLAH
Let him do his work and u all also concentrate on your duties.