PCB says no to Woolf report recommendations

Karachi: The Pakistan Cricket Board has told the ICC that it cannot accept the recommendations of the Woolf report, which calls for ending government interference in the game, due to the "unique circumstances" prevalent in the country.

"The PCB has conveyed to the ICC that due to the unique circumstances that prevail in Pakistan the sport cannot survive in the country without government support and interest," a PCB source said. "The PCB has specifically made the point that given the fact that Pakistan is presently trying hard to revive international cricket in Pakistan which remains suspended since 2009 they can`t do this without government support," he added. Interestingly, ICC President Alan Isaac, while in Dhaka, said that the sport`s world governing body is reviewing its stance against government involvement in the administration of cricket in its member boards. One of the major recommendations of the Woolf report aimed at improving administration and productivity of the ICC and member boards is the removal of government interference. In Pakistan, the President, who is chief patron of the board, appoints the PCB Chairman and his approval is a must while appointing the governing board members. Sources in the PCB said that they had noted that there was space in the Woolf report to find a solution to the looming problem. "The Woolf report has mentioned that a proper balance must be found on the issue of whether governments are supporting or interfering in cricket affairs," he said. PTI