New PCB chief vows to restore Pakistan's image: likes to take suggestions from former greats

Zaka Ashraf on Friday assumed charge as the new chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and expressed his firm resolve to restore lost glory in the world of cricket with commitment and hard work in consultation with cricket legends as well as cricketers.
"My focus will be to revive the lost glory of Pakistan cricket. Today is my first day and I need about two to three months to settle down during which I will study the system before making any decisions," he said.
Zaka told reporters at PCB Headquarters on Friday that he has planned on meeting with the legends of cricket in Pakistan, starting with Imran Khan after October 30, to solicit their ideas on how to improve the state of Pakistan's domestic and international cricket. He also said he believes former captain Shahid Afridi, who recently came out of retirement, still has a lot to offer as a one-day player.
He said: "I intend to get all the legends of cricket in Pakistan on board and take their suggestions for the improvement of both domestic and international cricket. I am scheduled to meet Imran Khan after October 30." Answering a question about Afridi, Zaka said in his view Afridi is a good one-day player but I will discuss with the experts and might change my view. Afridi contacted me and requested to meet. I will meet him and many others cricketers. I am a listener and will listen to all and do what is best for the cricket and country, he said.
Zaka Ashraf said that while he may not be a cricket expert, he is an honest man with a good record of governance at Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited, which he headed prior to taking over the board. "Being the president of Pakistan's friend is something which I am proud of and this is not a negative thing at all," Ashraf said. "The person who appointed me is an elected president and we have to respect his decision. I am honest and expect to handle the crisis. I have a respectable record while with ZTBL. I actually wasn't a banker before taking over ZTBL, only a corporate and business person who believes in discipline."
Zaka said he believes there is plenty of talent in Pakistan and intends to find it. "Pakistan do have talent that is for sure. I have plans to activate academies and with the help of experts and selectors will hunt down talent," he said. Moreover, PHF President Qasim Zia held a meeting with Zaka Ashraf at PCB Headquarter. Qasim felicitated Zaka on his appointment and give suggestions to run the affairs of PCB. Earlier, Zaka was received by PCB officials including Javed Miandad, Intikhab Alam, Zakir Khan and others. Miandad also delivered a letter to Zaka.