Uncertainty looms large over PCB chief Butt’s future

“There are indications that Butt’s brother-in-law,Chaudhary Mukhtar who got him the powerful PCB chairman position has also given up hope of being able to save Butt’s position in the board,” one source said.

Mukhtar,a defence minister in the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party government,played an instrumental role in getting Butt the coveted post.

“Apparently even Mukhtar has told his close associates that Butt has now lost the confidence of the President,” another source stated.

Butt has come under intense criticism after Pakistan’s shocking defeat in the second Test against Australia at Sydney. To further compound his problems,chairman of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Sport has sent a letter to President Zardari asking him to remove Butt and appoint a new cricket set-up.

“We are hopeful that the letter would deliver desired results and there will be desired changes in the board,” MNA Muhammad Iqbal,a member of the committee said.

Iqbal made it clear that everyone has now realised the importance and significance of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Sports.

“It is our job to keep a watch on how institutions like the PCB work and ensure their accountability. Unfortunately Ejaz Butt and other board officials have taken us very lightly for months and we feel there is a need to change the cricket set-up,” he said.

Sindh’s Sports Minister and a former member of the PCB governing body under Butt,Muhammad Ali Shah said it was time for the present board chairman to go.

“We are in constant touch with the Presidency and other government officials and in next few days you will see definite changes,” Shah said.

“He has also got indications from the government quarters that it is time for change in the board,” one source said.