Najam Sethi Withdraws from the Race for PCB Chairmanship

The Pakistan Cricket Board interim chairman Najam Sethi said he is pulling out of the race to become the chairman of PCB. On Tuesday, 20 June, Najam Sethi said he would not seek a permanent board position. In December 2022, he became the Chairman of the PCB, taking over amidst disagreements between Ramiz Raja and the Board of Governors (BOG) regarding the future of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

Also Read: PCB Chairman Najam Sethi Happy Over Acceptance of Hybrid Model of Asia Cup 2023

Najam Sethi stated his desire to avoid becoming a source of contention between Asif Zardari and Shehbaz Sharif, recognizing that such uncertainty is unsuitable for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Consequently, he announced his withdrawal from the race for PCB Chairmanship, tweeting his decision and wishing good luck to other stakeholders.

Until his tenure concludes on June 21, Najam Sethi will continue serving as the PCB Chairman in an interim capacity. Whether this interim position becomes permanent remains uncertain, as recent developments have brought about changes in the situation.

Najam Sethi’s tweet regarding the dispute with the PCB Chairman gained prominence. Additionally, Shehbaz Sharif, the current Prime Minister of Pakistan and Patron of the PCB, and Zaka Ashraf, former PCB Chief from Asif Ali Zardari’s People’s Party, are involved in the matter.

Over the next six months, significant changes are expected within the Pakistan Cricket Board as Najam Sethi’s tenure comes to an end. Pakistan cricket is set to undergo substantial transformations, including the hiring of a foreign coach, with Mickey Arthur as a potential candidate for the position. Furthermore, adjustments to the support staff are also anticipated.

These developments have emerged amidst the upcoming Asia Cup, which is scheduled to take place in a hybrid model after India declined to travel to Pakistan. Najam Sethi proposed this model, which was subsequently approved by the Asian Cricket Council. The tournament will see four matches hosted in Pakistan, while the remaining nine games will be played in Sri Lanka. The future course of action by the PCB remains to be seen.