Kolkata: In a shocking move, Shahryar Khan, the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board stepped down from his post yesterday five months before he completes his tenure, reports Dawn. According to the news report, Khan has already intimidated Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif who is also the Patron-in-Chief of the PCB. Khan announced his resignation at a press meet in Lahore on Thursday after a meeting of the Board of Governors (BoGs).
However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reasons to worry as Khan categorically stated that the PCB might drag it to the court for failing to comply with the MoU to play bilateral series against Pakistan. According to Khan, the PCB would first give a notice to BCCI as a warning and then approach the dispute-resolving committee of the International Cricket Council (ICC) . “And if both the attempts fail, then the PCB would have the right to sue India in the World Court of Arbitration,” said Khan. The BCCI failed to get the government’s permission to play in a bilateral series against Pakistan.
Elaborating on his resignation, Khan said, “I told the BoG members that I was elected as PCB chairman by them three years back, but now I have decided to abstain from candidature of PCB chairman or any other post.” “It is my personal decision based on personal and health reasons. I told them (BoGs) that I have also sent all the details to the patron-in-chief that I am ready to resign and will go whenever he (the patron) accepts my resignation,” said Khan.
Even if Sharif accepts his resignation, Khan would represent the country in the International Cricket Council (ICC) meeting slated for April 24. The Election Commissioner of the PCB will start the legal procedure to hold elections to the Chairman’s post in 28 days, reports the newspaper. According to the procedure, any member of the current BoGs could contest, Khan said. This leaves Najam Sethi who successfully hosted the Pakistan Super League (PSL) with the opportunity to have a go at the coveted post. Meanwhile Sethi could be felicitated with the Pride of Performance Award for the launch of the PSL. The successful hosting of the PSL and its final in Lahore despite the country facing terror attacks has given the right impetus to the PCB. “Next year, the PSL matches will be held in more cities of Pakistan,” said Khan.