Pakistan cricket chief resigns by AFP

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Player:

Nasim Ashraf

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DateLine: 18th August 2008

 

Pakistan cricket chief Nasim Ashraf on Monday resigned, a few hours after the resignation of President Pervez Musharraf.

 

"Yes, I have resigned from the post and it is now the prerogative of the new president of the country to appoint a new chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)," Ashraf told AFP from Islamabad.

 

Musharraf, who was also patron of the PCB, appointed Ashraf as the head of the board in October 2006.

 

Ashraf said his resignation would not harm Pakistan's chances of hosting next month's Champions Trophy, which is shrouded in doubts over security fears.

 

"I will continue to work until a new chairman is appointed and I don't see my leaving affecting the Champions Trophy because PCB is an institution and institutions are not run by individuals," said Ashraf.

 

However, Ashraf refused to link his resignation to Musharraf's decision.

 

"As happens when a new government takes charge, the sitting ministers resign, and I have done the same thing so that the new president of the country appoints the new chairman of the PCB."

 

Pakistan hosts the Champions Trophy from September 12-28.

(Article: Copyright © 2008 AFP)