Ashraf given three-year extension as PCB chairman

Nasim Ashraf has been given a three-year extension as the chairman of the Pakistan board (PCB) by the country's president, General Pervez Musharraf, who is also the PCB's patron-in-chief. Musharraf also named eight members of the new governing board.

"I hope to continue the voyage of good governance and transparency in this new set-up for the betterment of our cricket," Ashraf told the News, a Karachi-based daily. "I'm honoured that the president has kept faith in me and I will try my best to serve the game during my tenure."

Intikhab Alam and Ijaz Butt are the only former Test cricketers on the 15-member governing board, which will be headed by Ashraf. The board will announce the remaining six representatives - five from the various regions and one official from the departments. "I would want to have the inaugural meeting as soon as possible and am hoping that all of the Governing Board's members will attend it," Ashraf said.

Ashraf's primary focus as chairman would be on promoting cricket at the grassroots level, as well as preparing a squad for the 2011 World Cup.

"We have to have a solid base at the schools and Under-19 levels if we are to excel at the international level in the coming years," he said. "We are investing in grassroots cricket at the moment and will intensify our efforts in the coming years so that we can produce world-class players for the future. The 2011 World Cup is the most important assignment for us and we will take all possible steps to raise a squad capable of winning the title."

Ashraf had succeeded Shaharyar Khan as PCB chairman in October 2006.