There is no politics in cricket: Zaka Ashraf

LAHORE: Reinstated Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, Zaka Ashraf has reiterated that there is no politics in cricket.

Ashraf arrived at the PCB headquarters here on Thursday to assume charge of his post. Speaking to the media, Ashraf said his reinstatement illustrated the independence of the judiciary.

The PCB chief said he respected Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif who was the board’s patron and would brief him on cricket affairs. Zaka Ashraf praised Najam Sethi who had been serving as acting chairman PCB and said he had no ill will towards him.

When asked about who would replace Dav Whatmore as the national team’s coach, Ashraf replied that the matter would be resolved in a few days. The PCB chairman said a decision regarding the team’s captain would be made keeping in mind fitness and national interest. “Right now Misbah-ul-Haq is fit.”

The PCB chairman said a decision on Pakistan’s participation in the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh will be made after the evaluation of the security team.

Zaka Ashraf was reinstated as chairman PCB by the Islamabad High Court on Wednesday.