Iqbal Qasim to lead the Cricket Committee

Pakistan Cricket Board announced the revamped Cricket Committee earlier today. Former test spinner, Iqbal Qasim will be heading the committee. Wasim Akram and Urooj Mumtaz are set to continue in their roles, while fast bowler Umar Gul and former test opener Ali Naqvi have also been included.

Umar Gul, who is currently an active player will be a representative of domestic cricketers. While Ali Naqvi is on the committee as a representative of match officials. Urooj Mumtaz will continue to represent women’s cricket.

PCB formed the cricket committee in 2018, under the leadership of Mohsin Khan. They also took Misbah ul Haq on board. However, the committee never got into their work and Mohsin Khan resigned after being overlooked for the coaching position in 2019. Misbah ul Haq had resigned after applying for the position of Pakistan head coach.

Along with the five members, PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan and Director – International, Zakir Khan, will also be part of the committee as co-opted members.

The Committee will advise PCB chairman on cricket related matters including domestic structure, the performance of the national cricket teams and management, high-performance centres and playing conditions at different levels. They are stipulated to meet every quarter and invite relevant individuals for any evaluation, assessment and recommendations process.

PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan said that the committee will help the PCB management in improving Pakistan cricket.

“I welcome all the distinguished members in this PCB Cricket Committee and look forward to working with them. I am delighted we have been able to put together a wide-ranging, knowledgeable, experienced and respected group whose commitment and involvement in the game is second to none. These members are representatives of all key stakeholders within the game. More importantly, and in line with our policy, they are completely independent, which, in turn, will assist the PCB management to further improve the health of the game in Pakistan.”

Iqbal Qasim vowed to use all his cricketing and corporate experience to Pakistan cricket’s advantage.

“I am pleased the PCB has considered me for this important assignment and will try to utilize all my cricket and corporate experience and knowledge in the successful delivery of my responsibilities. The PCB Cricket Committee comprises members who are avid followers of the game, are on top of all matters related to the game in Pakistan and, therefore, with collective wisdom, will make recommendations that will help the PCB to improve its strategic direction. The game belongs to the people of Pakistan and we all are equal stakeholders in this. I think anyone who thinks (he) can make a positive and meaningful contribution to Pakistan cricket, should come forward and play their active part.”

Iqbal Qasim has previously been part of the PCB management in various capacities. It remains to be seen if the fate of this new cricket committee will be different than the first one.