In exclusive remarks to PakPassion.net, Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Zaka Ashraf who has recently returned from an extremely important series of meetings with BCCI chief N Srinivasan, expressed his views on the possibility of recommencement of cricketing ties between India and Pakistan. He also spoke on the matter of a venue for the proposed Limited Over International series against Australia.

By Saj Sadiq (9th June, 2012)

Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Zaka Ashraf has recently returned from an extremely important series of meetings with BCCI chief N Srinivasan that could possibly trigger the recommencement of cricketing ties between India and Pakistan.

The matter of a venue for the proposed Limited Over International series against Australia is yet to be resolved and also domestically the issue of some players missing out on central contracts is to be addressed.

In addition, a new Twenty over competition is yet to be finalised with speculation still mounting over when and where the tournament will take place.

Speaking with PakPassion.net, Zaka Ashraf expressed his views on all of the aforementioned issues.

PakPassion.net : What’s the latest update you can provide with regards to the limited overs internationals series against Australia which was supposed to be played in Sri Lanka?

Zaka Ashraf : We have two options now that we are considering, one being the United Arab Emirates which has been a regular venue that we have used and the second being Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. Intikhab Alam has been to both venues and is due back today (Friday). Intikhab will provide myself with a report on both venues and we will more than likely make a decision on Monday with regards to where the series will be held.


PakPassion.net : You have recently returned from India and watched the Indian Premier League final. Did you enjoy the occasion?

Zaka Ashraf : It was a good match. It was interesting and at the same time it was fun. The cricket was fierce and it was my first opportunity to see the Indian Premier League which I found interesting.


PakPassion.net : Your thoughts on the Indian Premier League and what other Boards around the world can learn from it?

Zaka Ashraf : The twenty over leagues are now cropping up all over the world and one has to remember that it was the Indians who got the ball rolling. There are such leagues almost in every country now and I think the system that has been employed by the IPL is one that others can definitely follow.


PakPassion.net : What is the latest news on the Pakistani equivalent of the IPL. When can we expect the launch?

Zaka Ashraf : Our plans were to start the league in the month of October this year. However this may have to be adjusted due to the Sialkot Stallions team taking part in the Champions League at that time. It is imperative that the players of Sialkot take part in the Pakistani Twenty over tournament and for that reason we will adjust the dates by a few days here and there. I’m hopeful that the tournament can still take place this year.


PakPassion.net : Regarding the domestic Twenty over league that you intend to set up. Do you think that foreign players will come to Pakistan to take part or do you envisage the initial tournament(s) having to take place outside of Pakistan?

Zaka Ashraf : Today we have committed to contracts with Sri Lanka cricket. I’ve had a telephone meeting with the President of the Sri Lankan Cricket Board and we have agreed upon a bilateral agreement that when the Sri Lankan Premier League occurs, Pakistani cricketers will take part and vice versa when the Pakistani League occurs. The documents relating to this agreement will be signed very soon. 

Likewise our players have taken part in the Bangladesh Premier League and we will also be looking to sign an agreement with the Bangladesh Cricket Board for their players to take part in our competition. The agreement has to be bilateral rather than unilateral.

I’m hopeful that once the Pakistani League commences we will be able to attract players from all over the world to the tournament. 


PakPassion.net : We have seen some issues regarding delayed payments for the players at the inaugural Bangladesh Premier League. This is surely something that the PCB will be looking to avoid as and when the Pakistani equivalent commences?

Zaka Ashraf : It is a serious matter and whatever commitments have been made have to be honoured. When we host a similar tournament in Pakistan we will look to avoid such issues and ensure that all documents are in place so such a scenario does not occur.


PakPassion.net : As well as watching the IPL final, your trip to India was to discuss other matters too, such as the resumption of cricketing ties between India and Pakistan. How fruitful were your meetings with the BCCI?

Zaka Ashraf : I went to India after being invited by the BCCI and I believe there are good chances of India and Pakistan resuming cricketing ties in the near future. I think relations have improved and the meetings and discussions with BCCI chief N Srinivasan were very fruitful and useful. Mr Srinivasan’s hospitality was very good when I was in India and the way they gave me respect was very much appreciated.

When I came back to Pakistan from India I sent a letter of thanks to Srinivasan for their very nice reception and hospitality.


PakPassion.net : Recent reports indicate that there is a possibility of a fixture being played between India and Pakistan, as an appetiser for future series. Any information on when and where the match could take place?

Zaka Ashraf : I’m awaiting confirmation from Srinivasan regarding this matter. He was due to hold meetings with his BCCI colleagues and they will make a decision regarding the fixture. Srinivasan and I plan to have a meeting in Kuala Lumpur at the next Asian Cricket Council meeting and hopefully we can come to an agreement there and finalise details of the match.

Once the BCCI have discussed the matters in hand, then from the PCB side we will discuss the issues and I’m very hopeful that the resumption of cricket between India and Pakistan is not too far away.


PakPassion.net : Was the matter of Pakistani players taking part in the IPL discussed during your visit to India?

Zaka Ashraf : No I did not bring up the matter of Pakistani cricketers taking part in future IPL tournaments, as I believe that is part of the issue of bilateral cricketing relations. My focus was mainly on the revival of Indo-Pak cricketing relations as once they are restored then the IPL participation and such things will follow.

The understanding from both cricket Boards is much improved and the BCCI were very co-operative and were very happy with our recent meetings and the issues that were discussed. It was all very positive and very constructive and a very good and worthwhile trip.


PakPassion.net : There are some stories in the media that not all the players are satisfied with the details of the central contracts awarded to them. Can you clarify the matter? 

Zaka Ashraf : There is no problem with regards to the central contracts. The contracts were given to the players on the day before that they were due to leave for Sri Lanka. We have increased match fees by 10% and the retainers have also been increased by 25%. The players were very happy with the increases and because the contracts are very lengthy and in depth documents, then the players are well within their rights to let their legal representatives look over the documents. I do not foresee any problems with the player’s signing the contracts issued to them.


PakPassion.net : Some of the squad currently in Sri Lanka and some who featured in the recently concluded Twenty20 series were not awarded central contracts. Is this issue being addressed and when do we expect to see a resolution?

Zaka Ashraf : There was a mistake by Intikhab Alam and his team and the Board has taken the matter very seriously. We have conveyed a message to Intikhab and his colleagues to explain their mistake. We are due to hold a meeting to discuss the matter with Intikhab and his team and we expect a reply from them explaining why this error was made. 

We will look to address the issue soon and correct the error as a matter of urgency.


PakPassion.net : Many thanks for your time today. 

Zaka Ashraf : You are welcome.

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