Inquiry into delayed start of Rawalpindi-Lahore match at Rawalpindi

The Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board Mr Shaharyar Khan chaired a meeting on 25th Nov. to consider the preliminary report submitted by the two-member committee comprising Mr Abbas Zaidi, Consultant Media/PR/Protocol and Col (R) Naushad Ali to look into the reasons for the delayed start of the Lahore-Rawalpindi match at Rawalpindi Stadium.

The meeting was also attended by:
1. Mr Shafiq Ahmed, Chairman Domestic Monitoring Committee
2. Mr Abbas Zaidi, Consultant Media/PR/Protocol
3. Mr Khizar Hayat, Umpires Manager
4. Mr Agha Zahid, Chief Curator
5. Mr Saqib Irfan, Acting Manager Cricket Operations Domestic

At the outset, the Chairman underscored the importance PCB attaches to Quaid-e-Azam Trophy in the overall context of cricket in Pakistan for which arrangements have been made for live telecast by PTV and sponsorship by a leading bank.

The Committee took serious note of the negligence and lack of professionalism that led to the delay.

After due deliberation the following recommendations were proposed by the Chairman Monitoring Committee and accepted by the Chairman, PCB:
a) The Ground Staff comprising Naushad Hussain, Incharge Pindi Stadium and Mr Ashraf, Head Groundsman, Rawalpindi Stadium, were found grossly negligent in their assigned duties by over-watering the pitch area. It is recommended that they may be severely reprimanded and appropriate action taken against them by the District Administration.

b) The next Quaid-e-Azam Trophy fixture earlier scheduled at Rawalpindi Stadium on 27th November 2004 be moved to Jinnah Stadium Sialkot.

c) Rawalpindi District Cricket Association and the Match Officials be cautioned to exercise greater vigilance in handling cricketing fixtures of Quad-e-Azam Trophy.

Abbas Haider Zaidi
Consultant Media/PR/Protocol