Wasim Khan Archives

Pakistan might play World Cup matches on neutral venue: Wasim Khan

SHARJAH: The General Manager of Cricket for the International Cricket Council (ICC) Wasim Khan asserted that Pakistan may play their matches of the upcoming ODI World Cup at a neutral venue.

The upcoming edition of the Asia Cup and Pakistan’s participation in the Men’s ODI World Cup has been in jeopardy after the Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) refused to tour Pakistan for the aforementioned tournament on political grounds.

The BCCI maintained their stance of not touring Pakistan for the Asia Cup, while the PCB was adamant that if they do not, then Pakistan might not travel to India for the World Cup in October-November.

In the latest development, however, reported by ESPN Cricinfo, PCB and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are gradually moving towards a compromise after an initial standoff over the hosting of the Asian event.

The news reports claimed that two boards have nearly agreed to host India matches outside Pakistan while the rest of the matches will be played in the country.

Meanwhile, former CEO of the PCB Wasim shared his prediction regarding how this deadlock will unfold in an exclusive interview with ARY News on the sidelines of the recently-concluded T20I series between Pakistan and Afghanistan here and claimed that Pakistan might also play their world cup matches on a neutral venue.

“I don’t know if it would take place here on in a different country but a neutral venue is highly likely,” responded Wasim in a question regarding the likely neutral venue for India’s Asia Cup fixtures.

“I don’t think that Pakistan will play their matches in India. I think their matches will also be held at a neutral venue just like India’s Asia Cup matches,” Wasim concluded.

It may be noted here that the uncertainty around the 2023 Asia Cup began in October last year when the ACC president, and BCCI secretary, Jay Shah refused to send the Indian team to Pakistan and has since been trying to shift the tournament to a neutral venue.

An emergency meeting of the Asian Cricket Council was held in this regard in Bahrain last month but failed to reach a breakthrough.

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ICC appoints former PCB CEO Wasim Khan as General Manager

DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed Wasim Khan has been appointed as ICC General Manager – Cricket and will take up his post next month.

Wasim, who has previously served as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Leicestershire County Cricket Club, will replace Geoff Allardice – who spent eight years in the role before being appointed as the ICC CEO.

Taking to Twitter, ICC announced the appointment of the former PCB CEO as the new General Manager of Cricket.

Wasim Khan appointed as ICC General Manager of Cricket. Read more here⬇️https://t.co/hjzX6oDEBq pic.twitter.com/91AAQcmBsJ

— ICC Media (@ICCMediaComms) April 22, 2022

Wasim, on the other hand, in an ICC released statement, shared his excitement and said he is honoured to be joining the cricket council.

“I am honoured to be joining the ICC, I can’t wait to get started and work in partnership with our Members to strengthen and grow our sport. I’m particularly excited by the ICC’s commitment to the growth of the women’s game, and I look forward to playing my part in really accelerating that growth over the next decade,” Wasim said.

The newly appointed CEO of the ICC, Allardice heaped praises on Wasim’s abilities and welcomed the latter on board.

“I am delighted to welcome Wasim to the ICC. He brings an in-depth knowledge of our sport and its stakeholders and his firsthand experience of the international cricket landscape will be of enormous benefit as we implement the ICC global growth strategy and move forward into a new events cycle,” the statement quoted Allardice.

It is pertinent to mention here that Wasim stepped down as the CEO of PCB in September 2021 a week later New Zealand and England cancelled their scheduled tours. He, however, is considered one of the key personalities to reviving international cricket in Pakistan.

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Wasim Khan pens heartfelt note for ‘lovely people’ of Pakistan

Karachi: Wasim Khan has penned down a heartfelt note after he resigned as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) a few days back.

In a post on LinkedIn, Wasim wrote that it was an honor to serve a beautiful country full of generous and loving people.

“As a British Pakistani and a former professional cricketer, I committed to moving to Pakistan just under 3 years ago, so that I could contribute to improving the global image of the PCB and the country. My aim was to contribute to the betterment of the game under the spotlight of a cricket-crazed nation of 220 million people.”

“Bringing International cricket back, mixed in with sleepless nights dealing with crisis management, or averting a potential crisis, and navigating through highly politically charged situations were just part and parcel of the exhilaration that came with the role,” he added.

Wasim admitted that he made some mistakes during his tenure despite having intense media scrutiny. He is grateful for developing ‘political intelligence’ during his time at PCB.

“I made real-time judgement calls and got some decisions wrong, but being at peace with myself during intense media scrutiny following decisions, allowed me to deal with what I didn’t get right in an honest way,” he said. “I am grateful that my experiences taught me the art of peripheral vision and helped me to develop political intelligence.”

“Pakistan Cricket stirred my soul like nothing else. I feel privileged to have played a small part in its history. In a couple of weeks’ time when I fly out of Lahore, heading back to England, I know that I will feel nothing but gratitude and love for the fans of Pakistan who embraced and supported me throughout my time.”

“To a beautiful country full of generous and loving people, thank you for the memories. It has been an honour to have served you,” he concluded

‘Wasim Khan visited my house, assured to sort out differences’ Amir

KARACHI: Fast bowler Mohammad Amir shared that Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)’s CEO Wasim Khan assured him to address his concerns.
In an interview on the Youtube channel, Amir said that Khan visited his house before Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 6’s second leg and they had a detailed discussion on his retirement matter.
“Wasim Khan visited my house before PSL 6’s second leg and we had a detailed discussion of my retirement matter. I shared all my concerns with him and to be honest, he listened to them very seriously,” the pacer disclosed.
“My case was portrayed in a wrong way by current management. But, Khan assured me to address my concerns and if everything goes well, I will make myself available for national team’s selection,” he shared.
While replying to immense criticism on different platforms, Amir feels that taking the personal decision in this society is not allowed. “I think people criticize too much when anyone takes his personal decision. And, when you clarify it, they say ‘Excuses Kar Raha Hai [He is making excuses]’,” he said.

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PCB CEO regrets on using ‘inappropriate’ words for journalists

Karachi: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) CEO Wasim Khan has regretted for the inappropriate words he used for few Pakistani journalists.
PCB released Wasim’s statement which read as: “On Saturday during an interview, I made some comments about some members of the media. On reflection, my selection of words and the tenor was inappropriate, which I regret. The continued and unending tirade against me based on my loyalty and commitment to Pakistan cricket took its toll on me.

“I look forward to building and strengthening my relationships with the media but also hope their assessment, analysis and scrutiny will be on my work, performance and contributions.”

It must be noted that Wasim opined that Pakistani Journalism is a ‘circus’ that has been constantly targeting his UK citizenship.

Read: Wasim Khan speaks about immense criticism in Pakistan

‘PSL 6 in UAE will not affect international cricket in Pakistan’ PCB’s CEO

KARACHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)’s CEO Wasim Khan believes that completion of Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 6 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will not affect the resumption of cricket in Pakistan.
In an interview, PCB’s CEO said completion of PSL 6 was very important for them and they made immense efforts to reschedule it.
“It was unethical to host PSL 6 in Pakistan amid COVID-19 surge in the country. NCOC also suggested to shift the matches somewhere else. I assure you that completion of PSL 6 in Abu Dhabi will not affect international cricket in Pakistan,” he said.
Meanwhile, Khan said the Pakistan team will be busy in a mega eight-month-long home season during which big teams will tour the country. “England, West Indies, Australia and New Zealand will tour Pakistan in next eight months. Plan for New Zealand’s tour to Pakistan will be shared soon,” he said.

It must be noted here that England has confirmed their tour to Pakistan for two T20Is in October this year before T20 World Cup. They will come and play two T20Is on October 14 and 15.

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