The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is planning to enhance its relations with the three Asian counterparts, especially the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), after Shahryar Khan was elected the new chairman of cricket’s governing body in Pakistan. It was learned that in a bid to improve ties with its Asian neighbours, the new PCB
chief is likely to visit Bangladesh next month for a meeting with the BCB officials as the incumbent is trying to organise a short one-day international series here.
According to sources, the newly-elected PCB supremo, who has cordial diplomatic ties with India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, is looking to rebuild the relationship with the three countries which previously became fractious under the tenure of the last president, Zaka Ashraf.
The 80-year old diplomat, who was previously the Foreign Secretary of Pakistan, took over the responsibilities from Ashraf after the latter resigned from his post earlier this year.
If the meeting does take place next month, it was learned that Shahryar will bring up the topic of the non-participation of the Pakistani players in the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League. The Pakistani cricketers were earlier barred from taking part in Bangladesh’s premier 50-over competition after the newest Test-playing nation refused to tour Pakistan due to security reasons.
However, the details of this issue could not be ascertained as BCB CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury did not receive his phone despite repeated calls from Dhaka Tribune.
It was also learned that Shahryar is trying to arrange a meeting with Sri Lanka Cricket and the Board of Control for Cricket in India next month in order to develop relations with the PCB which has not been good in recent times.
