"Pakistan is one of the safest countries to play cricket during Covid-19" : Wasim Khan

[Firebat]

• More than 50 per cent of 2020-21 domestic matches delivered; PCB Whistleblowing Policy approved; three independent adjudicators confirmed; PCB declares a PKR3.8b profit in 2019-20

Lahore, 9 November 2020:

The Board of Governors of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) held their 59th meeting at the National High Performance Centre in Lahore on Monday.

Following are the matters that were discussed and their outcomes:

Governance

The BoG, in accordance with PCB Constitution 2019 Clause 12(1)(c), unanimously approved the appointment of four independent members. They are: Mr Javed Kurieshi, Mr Arif Saeed, Mr Aasim Wajid Jawad and Ms Alia Zafar. Mr Javed Kurieshi and Mr Arif Saeed have been appointed to the BoG for a three-year period, while Mr Aasim Wajid Jawad and Ms Alia Zafar have been appointed for a two-year period.

Following the appointment of the four independent members, the new BoG has been formed. The remaining three members on the BoG will be appointed following completion of the election process at the Cricket Association level.

PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani: “I want to congratulate and thank all the respected outgoing BoG members for their outstanding contributions to Pakistan cricket. Following promulgation of the new PCB Constitution in 2019, these distinguished members, on my request, had agreed to continue through the transitional period and provide the PCB management appropriate guidance through their knowledge and insight.

“The fact that these BoG members unanimously approved the appointment of the independent members, which now changes the outlook and composition of the BoG, illustrates their respect for the PCB Constitution 2019 and Pakistan cricket at heart.

“However, the PCB will continue to benefit from their experience and understanding, by including them as members on the Cricket Associations’ interim executive committees (IECs), which will be confirmed shortly. The first and the most critical assignment of the IECs will be to supervise the registration of clubs so that cricketing activities can resume at the grassroots level.

“I welcome the newly-appointed independent members to the BoG, especially Ms Alia Zafar, the first female independent member, which is a giant step forward in enhancing the PCB’s governance structure.

“The four new members bring with them a wealth of diverse knowledge that will only improve the professional outlook and working of the PCB. These four individuals are highly respected and proven performers in their respective professional lives and we aim to benefit from their knowledge in our efforts to improve our governance.”

Domestic cricket season 2020-21

The BoG appreciated the PCB for successfully completing more than 50 per cent of the 208-match 2020-21 domestic cricket season in the difficult and challenging Covid-19 pandemic. The BoG noted Pakistan was the only country that had announced a full domestic schedule and to date had delivered three high-quality and competitive tournaments, which were thoroughly enjoyed by the Pakistan cricket fans and followers on PTV Sports, delayed live-streaming and social media.

The 33-match First XI National T20 Cup was won by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the 15-match Second XI National T20 Cup was won by Central Punjab and the 31-match National U19 One-Day Tournament was won by Sindh. In addition to these events, nine matches in the four-day first-class Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, 15 matches in the three-day Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and three matches in the National U19 Three-Day Tournament have been completed.

Separately, the women’s high performance camp was staged at the Hanif Mohammad High Performance Centre from 8-31 October, which was attended by 27 elite women cricketers.

The BoG also expressed its delight that the remaining four HBL PSL 2020 matches will be played from 14-17 November and the foreign cricketers had already started to arrive in Karachi, while South Africa’s tour for two Tests and three T20Is in January/February 2021 was also on track.

The BoG welcomed the England and Wales Cricket Board’s statement that it was considering a short tour to Pakistan in January 2021 and congratulated the PCB for its efforts in convincing a leading cricket nation like England to consider touring ahead of their expected full tour in 2022. It was acknowledged that this will prove to be the catalyst for New Zealand, Australia and England’s tours in 2021 and 2022.

PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan: “We have achieved unprecedented success on the domestic cricket front, by not only delivering top-quality cricket in difficult Covid-19 situation but also by involving some of the very best former cricketers in various coaching and support roles.

“Due to the successful staging of our 2020-21 domestic season through our own resources and capabilities, we have been able to demonstrate to the world that Pakistan is a one of the safest countries to play cricket during the Covid-19 pandemic. Faf du Plessis’s decision to make his HBL PSL debut in the playoffs and the participation of 18 other foreign stars in the remaining four matches is an endorsement of the PCB’s efforts in what presently is a challenging time for the world.

“With this background, it is very satisfying that our implementation has been acknowledged by the PCB’s superior body; the PCB remains committed to looking after the health and wellbeing of our cricketers, officials and support staff.”

Integrity

In line with the PCB’s zero-tolerance policy for any form of corruption or dishonest behaviour by any of its officers or players, the BoG approved the PCB Whistleblowing Policy, which incorporates all relevant stakeholders in addition to PCB employees, officials, players and players support personnel.

According to the policy, any person who becomes aware of any matter or behaviour that may amount to Whistleblower Information can report the same to the Chief Operating Officer via email along with complete details, including supporting documents and evidence.

While the PCB has assured it will keep the identity of the whistleblower and contents of the report confidential, and will also protect the whistleblower from any form of detriment, including discrimination, harassment or retaliation as a consequence of the disclosure.

The PCB has also urged stakeholders to use the PCB Whistleblowing Policy cautiously, wisely and responsibly as frivolous and unsubstantiated reports and allegations can cause irreparable damage to the individuals against whom reports are being made as well as their near ones.

PCB Chief Operating Officer, Salman Naseer: “Stakeholders represent a valuable source of information that can be utilised to identify a potential problem and to deal with it before it causes significant damage to PCB or its stakeholders.

“While we are encouraging stakeholders in good faith to share information with evidence and supporting documents, we expect them to exercise this opportunity responsibly as any malicious or frivolous report can destroy the reputation and careers of honest, hardworking and promising individuals. Any whistleblower found to be deliberately misleading the PCB for personal gains and benefits will be subject to strict disciplinary action.”

PCB declares PKR3.8b profit in 2019-20 fiscal year

The BoG approved the audited financial statements 2019-20, which included an after-tax-profit of PKR3.8billion. The PCB reserves now stand at PKR17.08billion as compared to PKR13.28billion in the 2018-19 financial year.

The PCB audited financial statements 2019-20 will be posted on the PCB’s corporate website in due course.

Separately, PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan briefed the BoG that the board had exceeded the PKR24million projections by selling the 2020-21 domestic season inventory for PKR34million, a rise of PKR11.5million from the 2019-20 season. With discussions for title sponsorship of the Pakistan Cup One-Day Tournament underway, the PCB expects to touch the PKR40million-mark.

Other matters

Mr Ehsan Mani updated the BoG on a number of matters, including PCB-PTV Sports-I Media Communications Services agreement, three-year agreement with SuperSport and progress on broadcast partners in other regions, as well as international matters relating to the Asian Cricket Council and the International Cricket Council.

The BoG was updated on the recent performances of the Pakistan men’s national cricket team and noted the steps being taken to introduce consistency in selection policies and team results across all three formats.

 

[MenInG]

Hope Wasim's words on safety dont come and bite us!

 

[ataullah]

Thats alot of profit. Pcb should spend money on upgrading stadiums and make PSL bigger and better by introducing an auction system rather than a draft

 

[Omer2002]

Good to see we are negotiating with other broadcasters around the world although i am very happy with free youtube coverage

 

[Saj]

Fingers crossed that the PSL takes place without any covid related issues, although 1 person is already in quarantine after testing positive in Karachi.

 

[FreePalestine]

So they have made a profit of 34 million already or does this include projections of ad revenue from televised domestic cricket?

 

[Deewana Mastana]

Not sure as even though the country is now facing the 2nd wave of the virus and cases are gradually getting higher throughout the country on a daily basis.

 

[shamaan]

They should use that money to upgrade stadiums and also invest some money in grass root cricket

 

[SensiblePakFan]

PCB appoints Board of Governors' first female director in Alia Zafar

The PCB will have a female director on the board for the first time in its history, with human resource executive Alia Zafar appointed to the position. The PCB rewrote its constitution last year, revoking the Board of Governors' (BoG) membership, and reduced the numerical strength of the cricket-playing associations from eight to three in a bid to offset their influence. In the process, it planned to bring in four independent directors to live up to the corporate governance practices.

Besides Zafar, the three independent members are Javed Kurieshi, a finance executive, Asim Wajid Jawad, an expert in economics and Arif Saeed, an economist and corporate executive. Kurieshi and Saeed are appointed for three years while Alia and Wajid retain the position for two years.

Before the constitutional overhaul, the composition of the BoG included four regional representatives (the top four regional teams from the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy) and four representatives of services organisations (the top four departmental teams), and two direct nominees from the patron in chief - the prime minister of Pakistan. Now, an 11-member board will have two direct nominees by the patron, a move that sees power consolidated at the top and stripped from the teams that play domestic competitions. Three members from among the cricket associations will be elected presidents on a rotational basis every three years, while four independent directors, at least one of whom has to be female, will be named by the nomination committee.

Until today, the PCB had been functioning on the basis of the old formation, but after appointing the four independent members, all previous members have been released from the Board. The remaining three members - the head of three associations - will be appointed following completion of the election process, according to the PCB.

"Following promulgation of the new PCB Constitution in 2019, these distinguished members, on my request, had agreed to continue through the transitional period and provide the PCB management appropriate guidance through their knowledge and insight," PCB chairman, Ehsan Mani, said. "The fact that these BoG members unanimously approved the appointment of the independent members, which now changes the outlook and composition of the BoG, illustrates their respect for the PCB Constitution 2019 and Pakistan cricket at heart.

"However, the PCB will continue to benefit from their experience and understanding, by including them as members on the Cricket Associations' interim executive committees (IECs), which will be confirmed shortly. The first and the most critical assignment of the IECs will be to supervise the registration of clubs so that cricketing activities can resume at the grassroots level. I welcome the newly-appointed independent members to the BoG, especially Ms Alia Zafar, the first female independent member, which is a giant step forward in enhancing the PCB's governance structure."

Presently, only six provinces - Balochistan, Central Punjab, South Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh and Northern - will be eligible to play first-class cricket. Out of six, three will have their heads on the PCB Board on a rotation basis. Domestic cricket in Pakistan has been played among departments and regions for nearly 50 years, starting in the early 1970s, with the departments historically enjoying great influence in Pakistan cricket through the Board of Governors.

The new constitution, however, still allows departments to maintain a foothold in cricket as sponsors of the domestic sides. The territorial regions of each of the six cricket associations are based on the bifurcation of each province in the country, and the PCB will fund them with the help of a principal sponsor approved for an initial period of up to five years. The departments, which had so far maintained cricket teams, will, according to the new constitution, "be allowed first right of refusal to be the principle [principal] sponsor of the cricket association and the city cricket association".

ESPNcricinfo understands the PCB had been engaged with departments for sponsorship funding but no department is currently willing to spend money without having a playing role. Nearly every department has shut down their cricket departments and revoked hundreds of contracts, though a handful of prominent players who had full-time jobs have been retained on their payrolls.

https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/...ard-governor-first-female-director-alia-zafar

 

[SensiblePakFan]

Departments still trying to hold it out lol.

 

[MenInG]

Lahore, 10 November 2020:

The Board of Governors of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) held their 60th meeting at the National High Performance Centre in Lahore on Tuesday.

Following are some of the matters that were discussed:

Updates

The four newly-appointed independent BoG members were provided a 360-degree update on the PCB’s working and affairs, including the Pakistan men’s and women’s cricket teams, domestic structure and events, commercial programme, revenues and finances, five-year strategy, constitution and governance as well as the risks and challenges the sport faced due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The BoG was also briefed on the HBL Pakistan Super League with historical perspective and background, including all contentious, ongoing and outstanding matters relating to the PCB’s marquee event.

In relation to the Pakistan men’s cricket team, the BoG was updated on the 55-member squad, including 35 players and 20 players support personnel, for the New Zealand tour, which will be announced by head coach and chief selector Misbah-ul-Haq on Wednesday afternoon in Lahore.

The senior side will play three T20Is and two Tests from 18 December to 7 January, while the Shaheens will concurrently play two four-day and four 20-over matches. The squad will depart for Lincoln on 23 November.

Before the start of the meeting, the PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani once again thanked the outgoing BoG members and welcomed the new members.

“I want to once again thank all the outgoing members for their contribution to Pakistan cricket. They have been a great support to the PCB during the transitional phase and ensured the business was not disrupted despite a number of obstacles we have faced in the journey to date.

“I welcome the new independent members to the BoG – Mr Aasim Wajid Jawad, Ms Alia Zafar, Mr Arif Saeed and Mr Javed Kureishi. They are all highly respected, regarded and successful in their respective fields. I appreciate their willingness to invest their time in cricket by sharing their insight and knowledge to help the PCB. I have no doubt that the PCB will benefit hugely from their presence on the BoG,” Mr Mani said.

Committees

The BoG, as per Articles 40, 41, 42 and 43 of the PCB Constitution 2019, approved the appointment of Audit Committee, Nomination Committee, Human Resource and Remuneration Committee, and Risk Management Committee, respectively.

The committees are:

Audit Committee: Mr Asad Ali Khan (Chairman), Mr Aasim Wajid Jawad (Member), (vacant; to be filled by the Cricket Association member on the BoG); Mr. Rauf Bhatti (Secretary, Internal Auditor)

Human Resource and Remuneration Committee: Ms Alia Zafar (Chairperson), Mr Arif Saeed (Member), (vacant; to be filled by the Cricket Association member on the BoG); Mr Salman Naseer (Secretary, Chief Operating Officer)

Nomination Committee: Mr Asad Ali Khan (Chairman), (vacant; to be filled by the Cricket Association member on the BoG), Mr Bakhtiar Khawaja (independent member); Mr Salman Naseer (Secretary, Chief Operating Officer)

Risk Management Committee: Mr Aasim Wajid Jawad (Chairman), Mr Wasim Khan (member, Chief Executive), Mr Javed Murtaza (member, Chief Financial Officer); Mohsin Hassan (Secretary, Compliance Manager)

In addition to the above and as part of good governance and transparency, the BoG also approved Commercial Affairs Committee and revised the composition of the Pakistan Super League Governing Council. These are:

Commercial Affairs Committee
Mr Ehsan Mani (Chairman), Mr Javed Kureishi, Mr Arif Saeed, Mr Wasim Khan, Mr Babar Hamid (Secretary, Director – Commercial) and Head of Digital Media Rights (to be appointed, all members)

PSL Governing Council
Mr Ehsan Mani (Chairman), Mr Javed Kureishi, Mr Wasim Khan, Mr Salman Naseer, Mr Javed Murtaza, Mr Shoaib Naveed, Mr Babar Hamid, Six representatives of PSL Franchisees (all members), Imran A Khan and Usman Wahla (both ex-officio Members)