(Image Source: AFP)
[Saba Sports News] Zaka Ashraf has stepped down as the head of the PCB Management Committee on January 19. He joined PCB’s Board of Governors in July 2023, taking over from Najam Sethi, a decision backed by caretaker PM Kakar in 2023.
During Ashraf’s tenure, Pakistan participated in two significant tournaments, the Asia Cup and World Cup 2023, but failed to make a substantial impact in either. The team did not reach the Asia Cup finals and fell short of the semi-finals in the World Cup.
Ashraf, as reported by Geo News, expressed his intention to improve cricket but found it challenging to work effectively. The decision on his successor now rests with Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar.
Following Pakistan’s underwhelming performance in the WC 2023, captain Babar Azam resigned, and the coaching staff, including Mickey Arthur, Grant Bradburn, and Andrew Puttick, also left their roles on January 18.
Currently led by Mohammad Hafeez as team director and Wahab Riaz as head of the selection committee, the Pakistan cricket team has yet to secure a win under this new leadership. They suffered a 0-3 Test series defeat in Australia and are struggling in the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand, having lost all four matches thus far. The final game of the series is scheduled for January 21.