Lahore, August 8th, 2023: Mr. Zaka Ashraf, the leader of the Management Committee, engaged in a meeting with former Pakistan fast bowler Mr. Sarfraz Nawaz on Monday. The aim was to address the unresolved issues concerning his unpaid ex gratia payments from January 2017.
This meeting occurred in a friendly atmosphere at the National Cricket Academy and was attended by former captains Misbah-ul-Haq and Mohammad Hafeez. During the meeting, Mr. Zaka Ashraf handed over a cheque to settle the payments according to the Players’ Welfare Policy. He also assured Mr. Sarfraz Nawaz of unwavering support.
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The ex gratia payments had been discontinued due to disciplinary proceedings against Mr. Sarfraz Nawaz by previous administrations, citing violations of the Code of Conduct within the Players’ Welfare Policy.
Mr. Sarfraz Nawaz assured the PCB of his commitment to the Code of Conduct, leading to the resumption of his ex gratia payments under the Players’ Welfare Policy.
Zaka Ashraf expressed his distress at seeing a former Test cricketer in such a situation and criticized the past administrations for personal agendas at the expense of the PCB’s resources. He emphasized that all cricketers, past and present, are valued assets and the PCB is committed to their support.
Sarfraz Nawaz expressed his gratitude for having his pension reinstated, especially given his health condition. He also offered to provide honorary services to the board for the advancement of fast bowlers’ skills.
Mr. Sarfraz Nawaz represented Pakistan in 55 Tests and 45 One-Day Internationals from 1969 to 1984. He is renowned for his remarkable 33-ball spell in Melbourne on March 15, 1979, where he took seven wickets for just one run. He achieved his best bowling figures of nine for 86 in that innings, contributing to Pakistan’s second Test victory in Australia.
As a right-arm fast bowler, he claimed 177 Test wickets at an average of 32.75 and dismissed 63 batters in ODIs at 23.22 runs per wicket. His performance extended to first-class cricket, where he secured 1,005 wickets at an average of 24.62.
