Former Pakistan Test bowler Sarfraz Nawaz has expressed his disappointment over the PCB’s decision to appoint players involved in match-fixing scandals as consultant members to the chief selector. Sarfraz Nawaz said that he had to shift to England due to life threats.

The PCB appointed Kamran Akmal, Rao Iftikhar Anjum, and Salman Butt as consultant members to Wahab Riaz on December 1. The trio will commence their roles immediately, and their first assignment will be the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand in January.

Have Been Fighting Against This Menace – Sarfraz Nawaz

Speaking to The News on his 75th birthday on Friday, Sarfraz Nawaz emphasized that such appointments could set Pakistani cricket back to eras marked by widespread match-fixing.

“All my life, I have been fighting against this menace and had to shift to England under growing life threats from the mafia. When I came to know that the PCB is making no difference in clean and tainted players, I was shocked,” Nawaz said.

This Is Not An Ordinary Decision – Sarfraz Nawaz

Sarfraz Nawaz stated that the board’s decision will tarnish the country’s image and prestige. The former pacer mentioned that he is contemplating writing a letter to PCB Management Committee chairman Zaka Ashraf to address the issue.

“Why were these even considered for any post under the present regime? I am seriously thinking of writing a letter to PCB Management Committee chairman Zaka Ashraf highlighting the issue which will bring bad name to Pakistan cricket,” Sarfraz further added.

“This is not an ordinary decision but one that will have far reaching implications. It is something serious. Look for what these tainted cricketers are there-to help the chief selector in picking the talented players for future international commitments. I am afraid that such a practice would leave a bad image on the country’s cricket. That should not have happened. It is very unfortunate that tainted players were included on the panel. It is also against the NA/Senate Committees findings and recommendations.”

Mohammad Hafeez Should Have Resigned – Sarfraz Nawaz

Sarfraz questioned the choice of Mohammad Hafeez as a team official for the Australia tour. He emphasized that the Director of Coaching role is to monitor teams and coach staff, not to be involved in playing domestic cricket.

“He should have resigned there and then-at least when the PCB issued a hand out on the inclusion of tainted players as consultant members to the chief selector Wahab Riaz.”

“I think you require an experienced campaigner-the one who knows the Australian conditions well. As a player Hafeez has no performance to boost in Australia, neither he is capable of delivering as a head coach. I think Aamir Sohail should have been an ideal choice as head coach for such tough responsibilities.”

“Sending a brigade of 17-team officials would fetch the PCB nothing. If Inzamam-ul-Haq was a big disaster ahead of the World Cup, Hafeez would be no different.”

Also read: Salman Butt, Kamran Akmal, Rao Iftikhar Anjum Named As Consultant Members To Chief Selector Wahab Riaz