Tag: Zaka Ashraf

LAHORE: Zaka Ashraf, Chairman of the PCB Management Committee, on Saturday extended his heartiest congratulations to the Pakistan men’s cricket team on their remarkable achievement of securing the No. 1 ranking in the ICC ODI Team Rankings.

This outstanding feat came on the heels of a sensational 3-0 series victory against Afghanistan, showcasing Pakistan’s exceptional skill, determination, and unwavering commitment to the sport.

Mr Zaka Ashraf said: “This achievement reflects the hard work, dedication, and unity exhibited by our talented players and their unwavering focus on excellence. It is a proud moment for all of us as Pakistan cricket team reclaim the top spot in the ODI rankings.

“I also want to congratulate and laud the efforts of the entire squad, coaching staff, and support personnel for their collective commitment to raising the flag of Pakistan high in the world of cricket.

“The passion and enthusiasm of our fans have been instrumental in motivating our players to push their limits and achieve extraordinary feats. Achieving the top spot is a great example of our team reciprocating the love shown by fans all across the world.

“We have Asia Cup and World Cup coming in the future, so we are determined to maintain this position and continue to excel across all formats of the game. Our journey has just begun, and I am confident that with the collective efforts of our players, management, and fans, Pakistan Cricket will continue to scale new heights and bring more glory to our beloved nation.”

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The regional presidents, representing various cricketing regions across Pakistan, expressed their utmost confidence in the proposed changes to the domestic structure that the PCB is set to implement and will announce later today.

The meeting provided a platform for open dialogue and comprehensive discussions on the workings of the new domestic framework, focusing on its potential to nurture and elevate cricket talent at the grassroots level.

Separately, the recently appointed PCB Cricket Technical Committee (CTC), led by former captain Misbah-ul-Haq and Mohammad Hafeez as a member presented an in-depth briefing to the regional presidents at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore.

Junaid Zia, Acting Director – Domestic Cricket Operations, and also the ex-officio member of the CTC briefed the members on the key components and features of the new domestic structure, emphasising its intent to streamline and refine the player development pathway.

PCB head Zaka Ashraf: “I firmly believe that the heart and soul of cricket in Pakistan lies within our regions. These regions serve as the nurturing grounds for our domestic cricket, where young talents blossom and refine their skills.

“For a considerable span of time, there existed a void, a pause in the proper functioning of our regional setups. However, I am pleased to share that these regions are back in action, and it’s a significant leap forward for the sport in our nation.

“I express my gratitude for the support and enthusiasm demonstrated by the Domestic Regional Presidents and highlighted their integral role in driving the transformation of Pakistan cricket. Together, we will witness the rise of cricketing stars who will carry the legacy of Pakistan cricket forward with pride and honour.”

Misbah-ul-Haq addressing the regional presidents said: “I am confident that we can craft a cricketing structure that not only benefits our cricketers but also upholds the interests of all stakeholders involved. Your unwavering support is the foundation upon which this structure will succeed. If we work together, we will build a future that honours the game and the aspirations of countless budding cricketers.”

Mohammad Hafeez addressing the participants said: “Merit is the cornerstone of our approach, ensuring that cricketers and the support staff are recognised and rewarded based on their skills and dedication. This structure is a testament to our collective commitment to provide opportunities for people associated with the game. With your support, we look forward to a brighter and more competitive future for the players.”

During the meeting, the domestic regional presidents extended their gratitude to the PCB for its unwavering commitment to advancing the game within the country. They extended their unconditional support to the PCB.

The invitation for the meeting was sent to all regional presidents, while some of the regional presidents couldn’t join the meeting.

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DURBAN: The chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) management committee Zaka Ashraf invited Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Jay Shah to watch Asia Cup matches in Pakistan, ARY News reported.

As per details, the PCB Management Committee chairman met the BCCI secretary Jay Shah in Durban South Africa on the sidelines of the CEC meeting of the International Cricket Council (ICC)’s annual session in Durban, South Africa and both agreed to continue meetings and strengthen the cricketing relations.

Sources claimed that BCCI Secretary accepted Ashraf’s invitation to watch Asia Cup matches in Pakistan before also extending an invitation to the PCB head for ICC Men’s World Cup 2023 in India.

Ashraf, in a bid to strengthen the cricketing ties between two neighbouring countries, also accepted the invitation.

Zaka Ashraf told the BCCI secretary that the people of Pakistan are famous for their hospitality and they know how to value their guests. This is a new beginning and the meetings will continue, he added.

The Asian Cricket Council (ACC), last month, accepted the hybrid model proposed by the PCB and confirmed the hosts and schedule of the Asia Cup 2023.

“We are delighted to announce that the Asia Cup 2023 will be held from 31st August to 17th September 2023 and will see the elite teams from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Nepal, compete in a total of 13 exciting ODI matches,” the ACC said in a statement.

The multi-national tournament will be hosted in a hybrid model with four matches being held in Pakistan, and the remaining nine matches being played in Sri Lanka despite massive opposition by the BCCI.

The upcoming edition of the Asia Cup features six teams, divided into two groups, the top two teams from each group will then qualify for the Super 4s.

Hosts Pakistan are placed in the same group as arch-rivals India and Nepal while the other group includes defending champions and joint-host Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.

The Asia Cup 2023 will be played in the ODI format and will serve as an opportunity for the Asian teams to bolster their preparations for the upcoming ICC Men’s World Cup.

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The chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Management Committee Zaka Ashraf on Saturday, spoke to the national men’s cricket team captain Babar Azam and extended well wishes ahead of their Test tour of Sri Lanka.

According to the details, the newly-appointed Management Committee Chairman Zaka Ashraf had a telephonic conversation with Babar Azam and extended well wishes for their first World Test Championship (WTC) assignment and Asia Cup.

“Extend my best wishes to the entire team,” Ashraf told Babar. “We are hopeful that the team will triumph in the tour of Sri Lanka and the Asia Cup,” he added.

Babar Azam congratulated Zaka Ashraf on assuming the charge of PCB management committee chairman and vowed to lift the national cricket team to glory in the Asia Cup.

“Pakistan won the Asia Cup in your previous tenure and by the will of Almighty Allah, we will win it again,” said Babar Azam.

“We will leave no stone unturned to take the Pakistan team to new heights. We will take the field with great energy, Pakistan captain added.

Pakistan’s Sri Lanka Tests-bound contingent is due to depart for Sri Lanka tonight where they will play two Tests from July 16 to July 28.

It is worth mentioning Pakistan will start their tour of Sri Lanka with a two-day warm-up match, scheduled on July 10 and 11.

The first Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka is scheduled to commence on July 16 while the second will embark on July 24.

Pakistan squad: Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (vc & wk), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Noman Ali, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Afridi and Shan Masood

Itinerary of Pakistan’s tour of Sri Lanka:

9 July – Pakistan land in Colombo
11 and 12 July – Warm-up game

16-20 July – First Test at Galle International Cricket Stadium
24-28 July – Second Test at Singhalese Sports Club, Colombo.

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A fake, yet verified Twitter handle, using the name of the newly appointed chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) management committee Zaka Ashraf, was taken down after the cricket board’s request.

The fake Twitter handle @IZakaAshraf had gathered more than 8,000 followers on the social media platform.

The impersonator got the account verified in June 2023 and used the identity of Zaka Ashraf and has “Chairman @TheRealPCB” written in the bio alongside the hashtag “#ZakaAshraf”.

The impersonators shared 55 tweets since the inception of the account in February 2021. However, it has been now taken down.

After a series of cryptic tweets from the impersonator, using the identity of Zaka Ashraf, the PCB took to Twitter to clarify that the account was fake and was reported to Twitter.

“Mr Zaka Ashraf does not have an account on [Twitter]. This is a fake account and has been reported to [Twitter] by the PCB,” wrote PCB.

Mr Zaka Ashraf does not have an account on @Twitter. This is a fake account and has been reported to @verified by the PCB. pic.twitter.com/PbMYm2Chat

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) July 7, 2023

 

It is understood that the impersonator must have paid for Twitter’s subscription-based verification service, Twitter Blue.

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Zaka Ashraf on Thursday assumed the charge of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Management Committee chairman, the cricket board announced.

After assuming the charge, Zaka Ashraf will oversee the affairs of the PCB for four months.

Senior PCB officials welcomed the new chief upon arrival at the headquarters in Lahore, where he was set to chair the meeting of the 10-member committee.

The Management Committee consists of ten members, namely Kalim Ullah Khan, Ashafaq Akhtar, Mussadiq Islam, Azmat Parvez, Zaheer Abbas, Khurram Soomro, Khawaja Nadeem, Mustafa Ramday, and Zulfiqar Malik.

Meanwhile, Mahmood Iqbal replaced Ahmed Shehzad Farooq Rana as chief election commissioner of the board.

It is pertinent to mention here that the elections for the chairman were supposed to be held on June 27 at the PCB headquarters in Lahore.

However, stay orders from multiple courts in the country, which included the Balochistan High Court, resulted in the election being postponed.

Zaka Ashraf then chaired the first meeting of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s Management Committee today at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore on Thursday.

Director National Cricket Academy Zakir Khan and other officers warmly welcomed Zaka Ashraf on his arrival. At the beginning of the meeting, all the members of the management committee unanimously expressed their full confidence in Zaka Ashraf.

The members said that they will work together with Zaka Ashraf for the betterment of cricket, the appointment of Zaka Ashraf as Chairman Management Committee will bring laurels for Pakistan cricket.

In the meeting, Chief Financial Officer Javed Murtaza briefed the members of the committee on the PCB’s budgetary affairs. The chairman of the management committee was also briefed on important issues including the constructions of stadia, central contracts of players.

Addressing the members, Mr Zaka Ashraf said that his prime focus will be on the improvement of cricket and cricketers. He also emphasised on bringing transparency in the affairs of the cricket board.

He provided reassurance to the members that grievances regarding the elections of the Regions and Associations will be redressed and he guaranteed transparent elections for the Regions and Associations.

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