Ehsan Mani requests a meeting with PM:
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ehsan Mani met with Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday for a one-on-one discussion, which he later described as a “general catch up” while speaking with “The News.”
When queried about the meeting’s specifics, the PCB chairman stated, “I am afraid I cannot speak on private topics.” When contacted, a minister who normally stays close to the corridors of power stated that nothing could be spoken because it was a one-on-one meeting.
“Until and unless we hear from one of the participants, no one could say anything. Nothing has come out thus far, so I cannot disclose what was discussed at this time,” he stated.
The meeting is thought to have been held to discuss, among other things, the PCB’s future formation, live coverage of international cricket events for Pakistani viewers, and the PCB’s recent contract with the PTV for inland coverage, which promises a hefty sum of $200 million over the next four years.
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The PCB chairman’s future affiliation with the PCB is of immediate interest. Mani’s term on the PCB expires on September 4, and he has stated several times in interviews with ‘The News’ that he will not seek a second term unless and until the prime minister, who is also a patron of the board, directs him. Mani’s discussion with Imran Khan is thought to have been more about his future association with the board.
Mani is expected to be replaced near the end of the upcoming T20 World Cup, which will be contested in October/November, most likely in the UAE. Mani must have informed the patron of his availability to the PCB during and after the World Cup, which is projected to bring Pakistan a large return as a participating nation, among other things.
Mani, who also chairs the ICC finance committee, knows everything there is to know about the ICC’s finances, both earnings, and expenditure. Former Test cricketer Rashid Latif has already tweeted that Mani has tendered his resignation, a claim that Mani dismissed in a message to ‘The News’ as “made up by Mr. Latif.”
When it comes to determining Mani’s affiliation with the PCB, it is totally dependent on the patron’s decision, which may not occur until later in September.
It is also reported that the PCB’s marketing and financial departments, as well as recent contracts with the PTV, were discussed. Various strategies for ensuring the live transmission of upcoming international programs for Pakistani consumers were also considered.
