One of the most well-respected administrators across the world, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Shahryar Khan has expressed disappointment on the board receiving criticism for the national team’s middling performances.
Speaking to PTI, Khan revealed that he was considering retiring from service after his term ends in August 20. The doyen also conceded he has still not given up on attempting to restore bilateral ties between Pakistan and India.
Reflecting on Pakistan’s abject campaign in the World T20, Shahryar asserted, “It is disappointing and drags you down that every time the team does not do well the knives are out for the board officials.“
He noted, “If anything after the World T20, Sri Lanka who were the defending champions, Australia and England should all have been more disappointed than us at not performing well in the event. But in Pakistan, the board is held responsible for everything.”
Elaborating on his assessment, the 82-year old felt, “We can only make the best appointments of technocrats, the rest is up to them. We can only facilitate them and we have been doing that regularly. If the team is not performing, how can you hold board officials responsible for something the players and coaches are supposed to deliver?”
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Looking back on his appointment as PCB Chief, he maintained, “I led a quiet retired life and I enjoy teaching assignments. I didn't need this job as I had already headed the board and I don't take any salary.”
Shahryar added, “But two years back when cricket matters had gone to the Supreme Court, the prime minister and Najam Sethi told me to come in and I initially agreed only for a year. But, they told me I should be there for at least two years as one year was not enough to get things done.”
The former diplomat affirmed that there were still plenty of challenges left in his tenure. He affirmed, “I can take the pressure. But obviously at my age, it becomes exhausting for me. But, it is my earnest desire to see things improve in Pakistan cricket to see our team doing well and most of all to see us resume bilateral cricket ties with India.”
On the possibility of stepping down after his two-year term, Khan insisted, “I will be going to England for my annual vacation and will come back fresh. And then take a decision whether I should continue or not when my term expires.”
Despite acknowledging that Pakistan has fallen behind other cricket nations, he hoped, “We are confident that with a new management set up in the team, new selectors and administrative changes in the board's cricket department things will improve soon.”
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