Ramiz Raja to take over as PCB Chairman

LAHORE, AUG 26: Ramiz Raja is all set to be the new chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The decision follows a meeting with Prime Minister Imran Khan, who gave the go-ahead for the change of guard at the PCB. Raja will replace Ehsan Mani once the succession process is complete.

Both Ramiz and Mani met the Prime Minister on Monday (August 23) afternoon. After the meeting Ramiz, a former Pakistan captain, told Cricbuzz, 'I have given him (Imran Khan) my plans. He will make a call," and decided to wait to hear from the PM's office. Eventually, the decision was made three days later.

Ramiz confirmed that he has accepted the job. "The aim is to reset Pakistan cricket's GPS and will be in pursuit of excellence," Raja, who was also a Chief Executive Officer of PCB, told Cricbuzz on Thursday (August 26).

Meanwhile, Imran is understood to have asked Mani - whose three-year term ended on Wednesday - to ensure a smooth transition of power. Mani (76), an experienced hand in cricket administration, both at the PCB and the International Cricket Council (ICC), was seen as too old for the job, which necessitated high amounts of energy, particularly at the ICC forum, where the PCB is left with very few friends.

Also Mani's constant posturing against the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), a powerful body at the ICC, did not leave him with too many friends in India. On the other hand, Ramiz has no shortage of friends in India, which is an advantage for Ramiz.

Ramiz's appointment will entail a bit of a process. His name first will be forwarded to the Board of Governors of the PCB, being one of the two nominees. Following this, there could be an election if another BoG member wants to contest, but normally, a PM's nominee is unlikely to meet any resistance. When nominated by Imran three years ago, Mani was elected unopposed. In the same way, Ramiz should find his way to the top position.

The second member to be nominated by the Prime Minister is believed to be a noted businessman - Asad Ali Khan. There are seven on the BOG currently - four independent directors, CEO (Wasim Khan) and two nominees of the Prime Minister.

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COURTESY cricbuzz

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