New PCB chief to meet with former Pakistan greats Umar Faroo

Zaka Ashraf, the new chairman of the PCB, has said he plans on meeting with "the legends of cricket in Pakistan", starting with Imran Khan, 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.

"My focus will be to revive the lost glory of Pakistan cricket," Ashraf told reporters on his arrival at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. "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.

"Meanwhile 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."

Afridi retired from international cricket in protest after differences with former coach Waqar Younis surfaced and he was disciplined by the PCB, then under Ijaz Butt. With Waqar resigning as coach and Butt being replaced by Ashraf, Afridi reversed his decision and has made himself available for selection again.

"In my view Afridi is a good one-day player but I will discuss with the experts and might change my view," Ashraf said. "He [Afridi] requested to meet me and 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."

Ashraf's appointment as PCB chairman, a decision that is made by the president of Pakistan, was a surprising one as he has no playing or administrative experience in cricket. He is a close friend of current president Asif Ali Zardari and that was seen as the key factor in his appointment. Ashraf, however, 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."

As the head of ZTBL, Ashraf signed up several key players for the bank's domestic men's and women's teams. 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."

Before he could take over as chairman of the PCB, Ashraf had to first resign as president of ZTBL. The process took longer than expected because the ZTBL's internal governing board meeting was only concluded last week. He arrived at the ground today in a black BMW escorted by a land cruiser and a private security patrol. He was welcomed by all the employees of the board.
 
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