LAHORE: Former Pakistan captains Wasim Akram, Rashid Latif and Ramiz Raja have thrown their weight behind Najam Sethi who is expected to be elected as the new chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
Legendary all-rounder and former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram stated on Tuesday that Sethi is the ‘right man for the job.’ “Ahead of the elections for the PCB Chairman, I want to wish Mr Sethi the very best. I feel he’s the right man for the job for the way he has tremendously worked in setting up the Pakistan Super League (PSL) which his predecessors’ failed to get off the ground,” said Wasim.
“The league has only improved and continues to grow with the sixth team added now in Multan Sultans. Sethi Sahab has been around for a while in PCB now and I think he can take the PCB forward in his tenure at the helm..”
Former Test captain and wicket-keeper Rashid Latif said he is also hopeful of PCB’s progression and stability under Sethi in the next three years.
“In my opinion, Sethi is the right choice for PCB chief’s post,” said Rashid in a chat with the media. “He has worked hard in recent years and has succeeded in shaping up the PSL model which has seen great success.
“Pakistan cricket is heading in the right direction with Sarfraz Ahmed in charge as captain. My advice for Sethi is that he should strive in stabilizing things further and work on making meritorious decisions and appointments and I am confident that his vast experience will help Pakistan cricket greatly in his stint as the chairman.”
Meanwhile, another former Test captain Ramiz Raja also backed Sethi for the chairman’s role.
In a statement, the 57-Test veteran hoped that Sethi will succeed in winning the chairman’s election on Wednesday. “My sincerest wishes are with Sethi, I hope he is elected,” said Ramiz. “The biggest credit to him is the PSL and I think the success of the league on its own is indicative of his outstanding administrative qualities.”
“There are, of course, very tough challenges ahead for Sethi Sahab,” added Ramiz.
“The Champions Trophy win was a great achievement indeed but Pakistan’s Test and ODI performance need to be consistent for them to stay among top teams. Sethi should be very clear in his vision and policies to take Pakistan cricket to new heights and I am sure he has what it takes to do that.”
Published in Dawn