Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Dr Nasim Asharf while suspending central contracts of the national team players announced changes in the structure of the cricket board. Addressing a news conference here on Saturday, Nasim said that in future, the tour manager would have full authority and no player would enjoy any immunity.
He lauded outgoing captain Inzamam-ul-Haq's services for cricket and paid rich tributes to him for his contribution. The PCB chief announced changes in the administrative structure of the board. He said that Shafqat Najmi has been appointed new chief operating officer, Hassan Ahmed Chief Financial Officer and Salim Altaf, director special projects.
Moreover, Zakir Khan has been named director cricket operations, while Shafique Papa will supervise domestic cricket affairs and Subhan Ahmed will look into international cricket affairs. Aqib Javed has been appointed chief coach of the PCB Academy, he added.
He announced a three-member committee to inquire into the causes of the World Cup debacle with Salahuddin Sallu, Salim Altaf and Ijaz Butt its members. The committee will submit its report in a month. Nasim Asharf also suspended central contracts of the national team players and announced that the new captain and coach will be named later.
The PCB chairman announced Rs one billion amount for construction and renovation of cricket grounds in the country. Replying to a question about Bob Woolmer murder case he said Pakistani investigators will leave for Jamaica on Monday to help local authorities and the board will provide all possible support in the investigations.
Moreover, a memorial service will be held for slain Pakistan cricket team coach Bob Woolmer in Lahore on Sunday, a Pakistan Cricket Board official said. The service will be held at Sacred Heart Cathedral to pay tribute "to the great services Woolmer rendered to Pakistan cricket.
It may be mentioned that Bob Woolmer was found strangled in his Jamaican hotel room on March 18, one day after Pakistan were dramatically ousted from the cricket World Cup following a defeat to minnows Ireland. His death has shocked the international cricket community and left Pakistan cricket fans and the team reeling amid speculation over who might have been responsible for his death.
The one-hour memorial service would start at 12:00 noon and would be open to anyone who wished to pay their respects to Woolmer, Malik said.