PCB's new chairman Ehsan Mani says Pakistan will not 'ask' India for matches

Waseem Ahmed 23:45 04/09/2018
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  • Newly appointed PCB chairman Ehsan Mani.

    Pakistan Cricket Board’s new chief Ehsan Mani has taken a tough stance when it comes to India, declaring that he will fight for Pakistan’s interest.

    Talking about the challenges facing the Pakistan board vis-a-vis the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the legal battle over India’s failure to play bilateral cricket with his country, Mani said he will fight for his team but insisted Pakistan will no longer ask for matches.

    “I will not request India to play with us. Their own policy has been contradictory, as they are ready to play multi-nation tournaments like Asia Cup and World Cup but have a different stance on bilateral arrangements,” Mani was quoted as saying.

    “I never understood their positions… India’s influence is far greater (in ICC) but I will fight Pakistan’s corner.”

    The Pakistan board is seeking damages to the tune of $70 million in lost revenues following the BCCI’s reluctance to play two series – in 2014 and 2015 – which was part of an agreement signed in 2014.

    Mani also said one of his main targets was to bring in greater professionalism in the PCB’s structure as too much power lies in the hands of the chairman.

    “Too much power is accorded to the chairman, which isn’t good practice,” Mani said. “Nowhere in the world does this happen so we have to tweak the constitution. Ideally professional teams run on a professional basis. The idea is to take Pakistan to the next level by professionalising the system.”

    Mani has extensive administrative experience. He represented Pakistan at the ICC from 1996-2002 and was the ICC chief from 2003-2006.

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