Iqbal Qasim to chair PCB cricket committee

Lahore, Feb 1 (IANS) Former spinner Iqbal Qasim will chair the revamped Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Cricket Committee, which will meet on a quarterly basis, it has been announced.

Qasim, a veteran of 50 Tests and 15 ODIs, will lead the panel that will also include Wasim Akram (former captain and now a respected commentator), Urooj Mumtaz (chief selector and representative of women's cricket), Umar Gul (former Test cricketer and representative of current domestic cricketers) and Ali Naqvi (former Test opener and representative of the match officials).

The PCB Cricket Committee's remit will be to advice PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani on cricket-related matters, which include performances of the national cricket teams and their managements, domestic cricket structure, high-performance centres and playing conditions.

The Committee will have the powers to invite relevant personnel for its quarterly meetings to assist as part of its evaluation, assessment and recommendation process.

Speaking on the development, Qasim said: "I am pleased the PCB has considered me for this important assignment and will try to utilise all my cricket and corporate experience and knowledge in the successful delivery of my responsibilities."

"The PCB Cricket Committee comprises members who are avid followers of the game, are on top of all matters related to the game in Pakistan and, therefore, with collective wisdom, will make recommendations that will help the PCB improve its strategic direction," he was quoted as saying by the PCB.