London, Oct 15: The International Cricket Council today said it wanted General Tauqir Zia to reconsider his decision to resign from the Pakistan Cricket Board as his departure would be a "significant blow" to the sport. Zia and Chishty Mujahid, a board director, submitted their resignations to President Pervez Musharraf, who is the patron of the board, on Sunday - a day after world champion Australia thrashed Pakistan by an innings and 198 runs inside two days of a five-day test match.
The ICC said it wanted Musharraf to continue to refuse Zia's resignation to ensure stability at the top of the PCB.
"I urge Gen Zia to reconsider his decision," ICC President Malcolm Gray said. "He has the knowledge, capabilities and experience to lead Pakistan cricket.
"The game in Pakistan is going through an enormously complex and difficult period on and off the field.
"Throughout this time Gen Zia has been a powerful and persuasive advocate for the cause of Pakistan cricket. It would be a significant blow to the game if he were lost to the sport. He is the person best qualified to lead Pakistan Through its current on-field problems."
Gray said it was "essential" there was stability in the leadership of the PCB.
"I hope that Gen Musharraf will refuse to accept the resignation in the interests of the game in Pakistan," he said.
ICC spokesman mark Harrison said the organisation "would be very happy if Chishty could stay as well." Bureau Report