Zaka expresses firm resolve against 'spot fixing'

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ch. Zaka Ashraf has expressed his firm resolve to stop bad events like "spot fixing" in future. "The episode like spot fixing caused bad name for the country and it would never be allowed to happen in future," he said while talking to reporters at a farewell reception hosted in honour of former Chairman PCB M. Ijaz Butt at the National Cricket Academy.

He said: "We have to remove the negativity created because of the spot fixing trial and move forward." He said all out steps would be taken to ensure "discipline" in the game of cricket. Giving his idea to improve the performance of Pakistan cricket team, Zaka Ashraf said that there should be three coaches i.e. batting, bowling and fielding, for the Pakistan cricket team, as separate coaches will help improve the techniques of our players. Commenting on bringing international cricket back to Pakistan, Ashraf said international teams should undertake tour to Pakistan and all out efforts will be made in this regard.

Earlier, addressing the farewell reception, Ch. Zaka Ashraf said: "I am grateful to Ijaz Butt for his valuable contribution to Pakistan Cricket. Ijaz Butt has done an excellent job despite facing many challenges and paid tribute to his services for the game."

He said: "We have a huge challenge in front of us and as the ex-chairman has said, I will support you so that we can work for the betterment of Pakistan cricket. We have to work very hard to bring International Cricket back to Pakistan."

Zaka also said he would also like to recognise the chairperson of the women wing chairperson Bushra Aitzaz for her efforts to improve the women's game, which seen our women team grow from strength to strength.

In his speech, outgoing PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt thanked the new PCB Chairman and staff and said, "I would like to thank the President of Pakistan and Patron in Chief of PCB Asif Ali Zardari for his support throughout my term. I am sure that my friend and successor Zaka Ashraf will receive the same support. I would like to thank all the PCB Management and staff for diligently performing their duties in tough time. I hope that all of you will work with the same vigour and give the new Chairman the same support that you have shown me for the past three years." The farewell ceremony commenced with the signing of a formal handing over from former chairman M. Ijaz Butt to the new Chairman Ch. Zaka Ashraf. Chairman PCB Ch. Zaka Ashraf then presented outgoing Chairman Ijaz Butt with a shield and a souvenir on behalf of the PCB in recognition of his services to Pakistan Cricket.

It may be noted that a number of historic achievements for Pakistan Cricket marked Ijaz Butt's term. In 2009 after a gap of 17 years, Pakistan won a major International Trophy when they clinched the ICC World T20 in England. Pakistan also registered their first test win against Australia after 15 years, when they triumphed at Headingly last summer. Pakistan also qualified for the semi finals of the ICC World Cup in 2011.