Wasim Khan the CEO of PCB has become the third high profile exit — after bowling coach Waqar Younis and head coach Misbah-ul-Haq — after the appointment of Ramiz Raja as the PCB chairman. Khan has quit his post four months before his contract was due to end.
Wasim Khan Addresses Media
In a media release, Khan said,
“When I arrived in 2019, there was a real need to build relationships and restore and enhance the global image and reputation of the PCB and Pakistan cricket”
“With decisive and strategic decision-making, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic, we succeeded in earning the goodwill and respect of the global cricketing family, which I am hopeful will lead to increased international cricket being hosted in Pakistan in future.”
“With a five-year strategy in place, new domestic structure in its third season and the investment in women’s cricket in an upward direction, I feel it is the right time to move on and reunite with my young family. They have sacrificed a lot so that I could fulfil my dreams of contributing to Pakistan cricket, which will always remain very close to my heart.”
Cloud of Uncertainty over Pakistan Cricket
Wasim has quit at a time when Pakistan cricket is under a cloud of uncertainty. Even before Raja could settle into his job came a double jolt in the form of withdrawals from scheduled tours of Pakistan by New Zealand and England. The two series were part of preparation plans for the T20 World Cup. With their cancellation, Pakistan will have played only one T20I ahead of the ICC global event, as opposed to the 12 matches planned.
Ehsan Mani Offered Wasim Three-Year Extension
With four months to go on his contract, Wasim was asked to stay on for another stint of three years by Ehsan Mani who had preceded Raja as chairman. Wasim had then said he was not sure he wanted to continue especially with the possibility of Mani not continuing at the helm. Raja who has a more hands-on approach to the job has brought in considerable change.
WWasim Helped Revamp of Pakistan Domestic Cricket
hile Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan forced the PCB to revamp Pakistan’s domestic cricket structure, Wasim was responsible for the implementation of the changes. Wasim helped combine the board’s domestic cricket department with the National Cricket Academies, creating in the process more roles for some senior players while creating positions for some new players in newly founded city associations as well as in provincial teams’ second elevens.
RRole in Improving Pakistan’s Status as International Venue
asim also helped improve Pakistan’s status as a safe and welcoming venue for overseas teams touring the country. On his watch, Test cricket returned to Pakistan and but for the pandemic, two seasons of PSL would have been hosted within the country. Wasim leveraged his personal relations with key people in other countries such as England to get them to agree to tour Pakistan. Wasim was one of the first CEOs of the PCB to play a greater role in the board’s day-to-day functioning. The PCB may not appoint Wasim’s successor in the immediate future, with Ramiz likely to take a bigger role at the helm.
