New PCB chief vows to revive Pakistan cricket by AFP

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Player:

Ijaz Butt

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DateLine: 9th October 2008

 

Pakistan's new cricket chief Ejaz Butt Thursday vowed to restore the health of the sport in the nation, plagued by security concerns and disciplinary problems.

 

Butt, a former secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in Pakistan, now the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), was appointed as chairman on Tuesday, replacing Nasim Ashraf, who resigned in August.

 

"I know there are problems which have plagued Pakistan cricket but I will try to do my best to remove these problems," Butt told AFP.

 

The 70-year-old Butt, a former wicketkeeper-batsman who played eight Tests for Pakistan, said he is confident that Pakistan can turn the corner.

 

The cricket chief's main problem will be to convince foreign teams that it is safe to tour Pakistan.

 

"Security is something which is not in our control. The government is dealing with that and I am confident that we will overcome this problem and bring international cricket back to Pakistan," said Butt.

 

International teams have been reluctant to tour the country over terrorism fears since the 9/11 attacks on the United States and the war in neighbouring Afghanistan.

 

The eight-nation Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held in Pakistan last month, was postponed due to security concerns -- the latest event struck from the calendar in the cricket-mad nation.

 

Butt said he would attend an International Cricket Council meeting next month and try to allay security fears.

 

Another priority will be to restore the image of Pakistan cricket, hit by doping controversies and a perceived lack of player discipline.

 

Pakistani fast bowler Mohammad Asif was due to fly to Mumbai Thursday to appear before an Indian tribunal in a bid to clear his name of doping allegations and paceman Shoaib Akhtar has also been embroiled in controversy after criticising the PCB earlier this year.

 

"Discipline is paramount and I will push everyone hard to overcome this problem and will not allow anyone to tarnish Pakistan's cricket image," said Butt.

(Article: Copyright © 2008 AFP)