'Ploy defeated' as LHC dismisses petition against new PCB constitution

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday moved a step closer to implementing its planned reforms into domestic cricket after the Lahore High Court dismissed a petition challenging its new constitution. 

The board had devised PCB Constitution 2019, which had also been promulgated by the federal government on August 19.

However, the move was challenged in the high court by petitioners who sought suspension of the constitution.

It is pertinent to mention here that a number of former cricketers have publicly spoken against the drastic changes the PCB has in store.

Javed Miandad has been at the forefront of the group lobbying for the PCB to reconsider its decision and let departmental cricket be.

The LHC today dismissed the petition, although the PCB says the same petitioners have filed a fresh petition. 

The court, the PCB states, did not grant the petitioners a stay order but did ask the board to "present its response at the next date of hearing", a date for which has not been set yet.

Ploy has been defeated: Mani

“The PCB welcomes the judgement of the Honourable Lahore High Court Judge Mr Justice Shahid Waheed, who dismissed the application to suspend the PCB Constitution 2019," PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani said.

“It was obvious to all the knowledgeable and passionate cricket fans and followers that the intentions of the petitioners were mala fide and were aimed at disrupting Pakistan cricket activities and bringing embarrassment to the PCB and the country.

“The petitioners had approached the court to protect their personal and financial interests with complete disregard to the fact that their action could have resulted in severe impact on the 2019-20 domestic cricket programme. This ploy has been defeated on solid legal grounds and the PCB will now swiftly move to announce the new domestic structure and commence the 2019-20 season on 14 September.

“The 2019-20 season will be a season of celebration for Pakistan’s cricket fans as we host Sri Lanka for three ODIs and as many T20Is from 27 September to 9 October. Furthermore, high-powered delegations from Cricket Australia and the England and Wales Cricket Board will be visiting in September and October respectively as part of our preparations for their future tours to Pakistan.

“The Honourable court’s decision now provides complete clarity. The PCB will now finalise arrangements for the 2019-20 season without further delays.”