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"BCCI is asking us to sign up, then we may get a series against them" : Zaka Ashraf

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Appointed in October 2011 as the Chairman and then temporarily suspended on orders of the Islamabad High court in May 2013, Zaka Ashraf has recently been reinstated as head of the PCB in time to face one of the biggest challenges to the future of cricket.

The draft ICC position paper which threatens to undermine the stature of most cricket playing nations has been put forward by the BCCI, ECB and CA and it remains to be seen whether the PCB, with Zaka Ashraf at it’s helm, will be able to withstand the “carrot and stick” approach applied by the ‘Big 3’.

In an exclusive interview with PakPassion.net from Dubai, Zaka Ashraf clarified the position of the PCB on this issue, expressed his dismay at the high-handedness of some of the officials, and also explained the PCB's stance on verbal proposals by the BCCI for a bilateral series and made it clear that the proposals would undermine the very existence of the game.

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PakPassion.net : The general consensus is that the recent ICC meetings were quite heated affairs, can you elaborate on this?

Zaka Ashraf : There were differing views and strong views from both sides. Passions were running high and yes and undoubtedly there were some heated discussions on some of the issues that were being discussed.


PakPassion.net : Can you clarify exactly which Boards were not in favour of the proposals from the ECB, BCCI and CA?

Zaka Ashraf : The Pakistan Cricket Board, Cricket South Africa, Bangladesh Cricket Board and Sri Lanka Cricket were the Boards who wanted more time to go back home and to digest the proposals and to discuss the proposals with our colleagues before agreeing to anything. We thought it only natural and fair that we should be allowed to consider the information and suggestions thrown at us.

Even the West Indies Cricket Board wanted to delay any decision and to look further into the proposals and not to have to make an instant decision there and then at the ICC meeting. I don't think our requests to delay any decision on the proposals went down too well with some attendees.


PakPassion.net : Can you verify speculation that the Cricket Australia Chairman Wally Edwards spoke in an aggressive and derogatory manner towards you and towards the Pakistan Cricket Board?

Zaka Ashraf : The Chairman of Cricket Australia made some disappointing remarks towards Pakistan as a country and not necessarily about myself or the Pakistan Cricket Board. The remarks were derogatory towards Pakistan. After he had make those unnecessary remarks, there was some positive intervention by ECB Chairman Giles Clarke which then led to an apology from Mr Edwards and him settling down. The remarks were unfortunate from someone in a very important position.


PakPassion.net : Would you like to elaborate on what was said by Wally Edwards?

Zaka Ashraf : I don’t really want to go into exactly what was said by Mr Edwards. Let’s just say he said something harsh against my country and I reacted to that, as any other patriotic Pakistani would. There had to be some intervention and after the apology was received, things settled down.


PakPassion.net : Can you confirm the dialogue between yourself and the BCCI officials regarding a bilateral series at a neutral venue?

Zaka Ashraf : Yes the BCCI did offer to play Pakistan in a bilateral series at a neutral venue, which is a positive gesture from the BCCI in my opinion. However I wanted assurances from the BCCI. We want to be sure that this proposed series against India will actually take place. How do we know that this bilateral series will actually happen, because in the last ten years the BCCI has been reluctant to play against Pakistan!

We have played two series against India during this stand-off and we are entitled to some assurances from the BCCI. There's no way, I repeat, no way we will fall into the lure of BCCI promises regarding a bilateral series unless we have it in writing from the BCCI this time.


PakPassion.net :Was there any written assurance received from the BCCI regarding playing Pakistan in a bilateral series?

Zaka Ashraf : No we’ve not received any written assurance from the BCCI, it was all verbal. The BCCI is saying to us, first we need to sign up to the proposals by the BCCI, CA and ECB, then the BCCI may agree to allow it’s team to play against Pakistan.

What I’ve said to the BCCI is that the agreement to play a bilateral series against Pakistan needs to be made on an official document in writing rather than these verbal assurances. I want to be in a position where I can tell the people of Pakistan that we have it in writing from the BCCI that they will allow their team to play Pakistan in a bilateral series.

I don’t want to be in a position where I go back to my people of Pakistan and my Board colleagues and say to them that there was an alleged verbal agreement and afterwards the BCCI backtrack on this verbal agreement. I'd look a complete fool if that occurred and it's not something that I want to happen.

We will not agree to anything without a written agreement, a schedule and a full written plan regarding the bilateral series from the BCCI. Mr. Srinivasan wasn’t at the ICC meeting as his mother passed away but the whole BCCI team was there and there were no written assurances forthcoming from them regarding a bilateral series or Pakistani players playing in the IPL in future.


PakPassion.net : You mentioned that the Bangladesh Cricket Board weren’t in favour of the proposals from CA, BCCI and ECB. However their stance now seems to have changed, why do you think that is?

Zaka Ashraf : CSA, SLC and ourselves have taken our stance and stuck to it. The resolve of PCB CSA and SLC was strong at the ICC meeting. We were heavily pressurised but unlike the Bangladesh Cricket Board we never gave in.

I’m not quite sure what happened with the Bangladesh Cricket Board but there was a lot of pressure put on them and it seems they have caved into the pressure and they secretly signed the agreement.


PakPassion.net : Were you surprised at the ICC media release which indicated that there was unanimous support to the proposals put forward by the BCCI, ECB and CA?

Zaka Ashraf : How can it be unanimous when not all of the Boards are in favour of the proposals and have made that clear in no uncertain terms. We have conveyed our displeasure at some of the proposals and there is no question at all of there being unanimous backing for the proposals.


PakPassion.net : So what happens next regarding the Pakistan Cricket Board and the proposals?

Zaka Ashraf : I will return to Pakistan and call a Board of Governors meeting to discuss the proposals. The future of cricket is at stake with these suggested changes. The dynamics of the cricketing world could change if these changes are brought in. These are important times for the world of cricket and it's future.

I'll be meeting the Prime Minister to discuss these matters with him too. We need the Prime Minister’s views on this as my future as Chairman is uncertain, I may not be there tomorrow and I don’t want to make any short term decision that may harm the future of Pakistan cricket. The decisions we make need to be in the best interest of Pakistan cricket and the Pakistan Cricket Board.
 
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So long story short BCCI needs to offer something more in writing to make us stab SLC and CSA. ;)
 
Well, I hope for his sake and the future of Pakistan cricket that the three hold up. They need to negotiate as a group, I,e., same sweeteners for all.
 
Good detailed interview, it clarifies a lot of misconceptions the tweets had created.
 
Great interview. Regardless of what happens good on Zaka Ashraf for holding his ground.
 
Excellent backbone shown by Zaka. We at least have our self respect and dignity, unlike the spineless and laalchi Bingos.
 
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Although I hope this position paper doesn't get passed, I want to know what position Pakistan will be in if BCCI agrees to sign a written agreement? Where will Pakistan stand in the two tier ranking system? Are the big 3 still exempted from relegation? Will we get our share of revenues if ever we play India? Will we get the same amount of games as the big 3? What will be the state of Pakistan cricket with this agreement in place?
 
cricketjoshila said:
So if BCCI gives them a series they will sign up?
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From my understanding i think he is asking for that agreement because BCCI want to build the bilateral ties again (as bcci shown few days ago before meeting although the purpose was to get vote). So that agreement doesnt guarantee automatic vote in favor of big 3.
 
What I’ve said to the BCCI is that the agreement to play a bilateral series against Pakistan needs to made on an official document in writing rather than these verbal assurances. I want to be in a position where I can tell the people of Pakistan that we have it in writing from the BCCI that they will allow their team to play Pakistan in a bilateral series.

I don’t want to be in a position where I go back to my people of Pakistan and my Board colleagues and say to them that there was an alleged verbal agreement and afterwards the BCCI backtrack on this verbal agreement. I'd look a complete fool if that occurred and it's not something that I want to happen.
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This is what he said.
 
Ask BCCI go to hell ( Not to Indians but BCCI who most Indians hates to ) we can play with SL SA and some others teams and play ICCI events.

We need to make a proper league in Pakistan as talked many times here in forum. Hope this kick wake up our rulers
 
cricketjoshila said:
This is what he said.
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TBH there is no clear indication of stepping down and giving vote in favor after agreement on bilateral ties. Maybe things will be clear tomorrow. There are news Zaka will speak to press tomorrow in Pakistan when he come back from UAE and he already called a PCB governing body meeting in Lahore on 3rd February so lets see.
 
It seems alot of you cant read between the lines.

Pretty obvious from the interview that PCB's price for accepting the proposal (and throwing SL and CSA under the bus) is a written agreement that India will play Pakistan in a bilateral series.

In that case, why the hate for Bangladesh? Not only have we got rid rid of the two tier system and relegation proposals, but we have also managed to secure series against all of the big three (and not just one). Obviously a better deal.

Maybe PCB should have hired our negotiator.
 
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BD Tigers said:
It seems alot of you cant read between the lines.

Pretty obvious from the interview that PCB's price for accepting the proposal (and throwing SL and CSA under the bus) is a written agreement that India will play Pakistan in a bilateral series.

In that case, why the hate for Bangladesh? Is it because we have managed to secure series against all of the big three, and not just one?

Maybe PCB should have hired our negotiator.
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It's you that can't read between the lines.
Where is the hate for Bangladesh ? People have criticised your pathetic spineless cricket board who caved in when the BCCi threatened, so stop making things up !

The PCB want the beat deal for Pakistan. Regardless Pak will still get many matches, especially Tests than Bangladesh. Do you want to know the reason why ?
 
Again, the PCB's response should be a simple one.
Transfer US$500.00 million into our account and we will sign up, regardless of whether u play with us or not.

If money is what ALL it matters then BRING IT ON !!!
 
BD Tigers said:
It seems alot of you cant read between the lines.

Pretty obvious from the interview that PCB's price for accepting the proposal (and throwing SL and CSA under the bus) is a written agreement that India will play Pakistan in a bilateral series.

In that case, why the hate for Bangladesh? Not only have we got rid rid of the two tier system and relegation proposals, but we have also managed to secure series against all of the big three (and not just one). Obviously a better deal.

Maybe PCB should have hired our negotiator.
Click to expand...

The way you were threatened by Sri infront of everone still u have to say this? Oh God!
 
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90MPH said:
It's you that can't read between the lines.
Where is the hate for Bangladesh ? People have criticised your pathetic spineless cricket board who caved in when the BCCi threatened, so stop making things up !

The PCB want the beat deal for Pakistan. Regardless Pak will still get many matches, especially Tests than Bangladesh. Do you want to know the reason why ?
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Please explain how did we cave in when we got what we wanted and a nice bonus of playing the big three in the next couple of years? :shakib
 
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BD Tigers said:
Please explain how did we cave in when we got we wanted and a nice bonus of playing the big three in the next couple of years? :shakib
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Then years of isolation.. Have you ever thought of what will happen after 8 years? The C3 will stop touring countries which they deem unprofitable or a waste of time. So enjoy the short term glory because come 2025 I doubt Bangladesh will be around playing any sort of cricket, your board has ensured this. No one will want to play them, especially teams like NZ, WI, SL, SA and Pakistan who all lose money from such tours.
 
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BD Tigers said:
Please explain how did we cave in when we got what we wanted and a nice bonus of playing the big three in the next couple of years? :shakib
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*Key - next couple of years.

Don't worry, after these tours you will be deemd "unprofitable" like always. And then you will watch BCB come crying to PCB, WICB and SLCB for a tour.

England, Australia don't care about playing you. They are doing it for the vote and after they will discard you.
 
there's no doubt the 3 (pcb, slcb, csa) will be in a worse situation under the new proposals... even a small incentive tour by india isn't going to change that... these three need to stick to their guns no matter what.

no doubt all board look out for their best interests... but their best interests depend on each other staying firm against the bullying. as long as they all agree to hold out until all 3 get whatever they ask for, none of them should budge.

PCB demand india playing them on neutral venue (in writing)
CSA - probably want more power and money distribution. probably more emphasis on test cricket?
SLCB - probably would love a good stream of india tours...

So, these three should make a pact of these demands ALL being met, or else no agreement is being signed and the current status quo will remain. if india stop playing these 3 teams, so be it, it's not like their going to be much better off once they sign to the current proposals.
 
Not sure why the big deal in getting the agreement from BCCI in writing. EVEN if they gave us an agreement in writing, what is to stop them pulling out of the agreement? They might have to pay some compensation.....will be a drop in the ocean for them. Either way, the "big 3" will get their agreement. The only way to fight it is for the other boards to develop their own game and make sure the "big 3" are not the "best 3".
 
Ok so my stance on the issue is that PCB and CSA need to meet with the SLC and demand assurance that they will not back down. If however SLC selling out to the BCCI then the PCB should strike up the best deal possible, a written agreement like Zaka said. I hope however these three hold firm.
 
http://www.business-standard.com/ar...eb-8-to-discuss-icc-draft-114013100184_1.html

Ashraf calls emergency meeting on Feb 8 to discuss ICC draft

The Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, Zaka Ashraf has called an emergency meeting of the governing board on February 3 to discuss the watered down draft proposals put forward by India, Australia and England at the ICC meeting this week in Dubai.

Ashraf, who returns from Dubai after attending the ICC meetings, is himself facing a battle for survival after the Islamabad High Court started hearing an appeal filed by the government against his (Ashraf's) reinstatement as Chairman by a IHC divisional bench earlier this month.

Indications are that the government after today's hearing is thinking about issuing a notification appointing an ad-hoc committee to run cricket affairs with a new Chairman.

Pakistan with South Africa and Sri Lanka sought more time at the recent ICC executive board meeting to study and discuss the revised draft proposal of the Australian, Indian and English boards.

A well-informed source in the board told PTI that media reports about Zaka Ashraf getting into heated arguments with the Chairmen of the Indian and Australian cricket boards during the meeting were not true.

"There was no major argument between anyone since the big three submitted a revised version of the original draft proposal that was circulated to members at the January 9 meeting of the ICC," he said.

"Pakistan, South Africa and Sri Lanka made it clear that they would now have to go back to their governing boards to discuss the revised draft proposal and would come back with their stance when the ICC executive board meets again in Singapore on February 8," the source said.

He said that in meantime the ICC legal experts were also studying the revised draft paper to see whether amendments in the ICC constitution were required to get them approved.

"Basically as far as Pakistan is concerned while they know that if they support the revised proposal it would mean enhanced financial benefits for them but they are concerned that if the governance of world cricket goes into the hands of India it could create problems for Pakistan cricket because of the long history of strained political relations between the two countries," the source said.
 
i hope the BOD members are updated about the issue regarding its pros and cons because there was a BOD member (an Ex-commodore) on GEo TV and he was talking non-sense or what an average joe would talk let see
 
"BCCI is asking us to sign up, then we may get a series against them" : Zaka ...

Sounds to me that zaka is near an agreement with bcci here. All these announcements only highlight this to the SL and SA partners and make public, something which I think would have kept better close to his chest
 
So basically get Indian series confirmed on paper and sell your only mates CSA and SLC. well done zaka now we know why you and zaradari are best mates and why you was given the post in the first place. Sell out, waste of space. All we did this and did that didn't back down and what Wally Edwards said about Pakistan wasn't acceptable any patriotic person wouldn't take. Must have waived some dollars and you accepted as apology.
 
Really hope pakistan doesn't sell out, Sri Lanka has stood by us in our times of difficulty while S.A has produced good quality cricket against us in the UAE. To repay their fath shown in us, we must hold out against the 3. What have any if them ever done for us? Show them that you have a spine Zaka and point them to the way out.
 
They are willing to enter into the proposal just for the sake of one bilateral series? That would be of extremely short term benefit. They should make sure BCCI guarantee many more of these tours over the next five or even ten years.
 
He's only meeting the prime minister to get assurances for his own job, I don't rate Zaka and I think he is using this situation to secure his future to be honest! :(
 
A written assurance from the BCCI won't be worth the paper it's on.
 
So we are willing to jeopardise the future of our cricket for just 1 bilateral series with India. Bravo!

Good job Zaka :14:
 
At this stage instead of promises of series, these 3 boards should ask for more share in revenues. SA, Pak and Sl are in top 6 teams, they should t worry about not playing cricket against big 3. And also no need to bow down on promise of series which will happen eventually anyway.

Ask for more share in revenues and thats it.
 
It sounds like india are doing pakistan are a favour when it should be a legal necessity under the ftp
 
I want to see something in writing...perhaps an agreement that we play a series every 2 years?

More importantly, get our players into the IPL!
 
That's good start. Either way, Pakistan Cricket will suffer in a long run because of recent draft policy. PCB must work close with CSA to get more cricket from Pakistan-South Africa series regardless of venues.

BD Tigers is trolling. Don't reply to him. He is probably taking his frustrations out on us after being disappointed by BCB decision to cave in to the pressure, as he must have expected PCB to cave in before others. Many Bangladesh supporters, in Bangladesh cricket forum, is not happy with BCB as they realize the future of Bangladesh cricket looks bleak in exchange for short term deal. What is done is done now. PCB should try to get the best deal out from this knowing that SL, being pro-India, is likely to cave in to recent modified draft policy, Allahu Alim.

PCB and CSA are alone in the battle. It's better if they work closely with each other as they sign the draft which they will have to, and there is no shame since the rest of cricket boards caved in cowardly, BCB is the latest to cave in recently. They have no reason to stay in the battle. So, better to make positive out of this sinking ship now and try to plan for the longer term of Pakistan-South Africa cricket.
 
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Khan88 said:
I want to see something in writing...perhaps an agreement that we play a series every 2 years?

More importantly, get our players into the IPL!
Click to expand...

Who cares about IPL? Let IPL rot in hell. IPL is main reason which pushed for the recent draft policy.

Pakistan Cricket is top priority, and even if there is deal takes place between PCB and BCCI, yet Pakistani players shouldn't partake in IPL as IPL is rumoured fixing dens - not good for Pakistan cricket after 2010 spot fixing. People should get over IPL obsession.
 
MenInG said:
http://www.business-standard.com/ar...eb-8-to-discuss-icc-draft-114013100184_1.html

He said that in meantime the ICC legal experts were also studying the revised draft paper to see whether amendments in the ICC constitution were required to get them approved.

"Basically as far as Pakistan is concerned while they know that if they support the revised proposal it would mean enhanced financial benefits for them but they are concerned that if the governance of world cricket goes into the hands of India it could create problems for Pakistan cricket because of the long history of strained political relations between the two countries," the source said.
Click to expand...
Dont ignore this.
 
MalikMohsin said:
Who cares about IPL? Let IPL rot in hell. IPL is main reason which pushed for the recent draft policy.

Pakistan Cricket is top priority, and even if there is deal takes place between PCB and BCCI, yet Pakistani players shouldn't partake in IPL as IPL is rumoured fixing dens - not good for Pakistan cricket after 2010 spot fixing. People should get over IPL obsession.
Click to expand...

There's that....and then there's reality. Our cricketers are broke. You know what happens when they're broke? They engage in spot-fixing and the like. IPL would be a massive source of income..more than these guys make in 5 years in Pakistan...for just a couple of months.

I too hate IPL, but it is reality and it is here to stay.
 
Interesting to see how it will play out from hereon in.
 
PCB’s internal power war causes loss to cricket: Zaka

Lahore: (May 8, 2017) Former Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Zaka Ashraf said that an internal war to grab more powers among the high-up of the board severely damaging cricket.

“After suspending his tenure’s constitution in PCB, dictatorship had been grown that caused great loss to Pakistani cricket,” he alleged while talking to media in Lahore.

He claimed Pakistan’s victory period was on its peak during his tenure but ICC termed PCB was not following ICC’s rules and code of conduct and had given ultimatum of one year to resolve concern issue.

“We had done all out efforts to form PCB constitution and had given final shape in one year that led to satisfied ICC,” he said but “Constitution had been suspended,” and ruined his all struggle.

Commenting on PSL, he said that it was ideal restoration of international cricket in Pakistan but fixing scandals bowed down nation’s head.

http://abbtakk.tv/en/pcbs-internal-power-lusting-war-causes-loss-to-cricket-zaka08052017/
 
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