In a heartening development, Zaka Ashraf, the head of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Management Committee, met with former Pakistan fast bowler Sarfraz Nawaz on Monday to resolve the long-standing issue of his unpaid ex gratia payments since January 2017.
The meeting, held at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore, took place in a cordial atmosphere and saw the presence of former captains Misbah-ul-Haq and Mohammad Hafeez, who attended in a supportive capacity. During the meeting, Zaka Ashraf handed over a cheque to settle the outstanding payments under the Players’ Welfare Policy and assured Sarfraz Nawaz of the PCB’s unconditional support.
The ex gratia payments, which had been discontinued, were a result of disciplinary proceedings initiated against Sarfraz Nawaz by previous managements for violating the Code of Conduct under the Players’ Welfare Policy. However, in the spirit of reconciliation and recognizing the former cricketer’s contributions, Sarfraz Nawaz assured the PCB of his compliance with the Code of Conduct, paving the way for the resumption of his ex gratia payments under the Players’ Welfare Policy.
Expressing his sentiments, Zaka Ashraf said, “I was upset to see a former Test cricketer in such a condition, and it was disturbing to see Sarfraz Nawaz being deprived of his rightful pension. It is disappointing that the previous administrations have used the PCB’s coffers to settle personal scores.”
He further added, “No cricketer should have to go through what Sarfraz Nawaz had to face, and I want to reassure every former and current cricketer, international or domestic, that the PCB considers them as its asset and will look after them at every stage of their life and in every possible way. They deserve to be loved and respected by their cricket board.”
Sarfraz Nawaz, expressing his gratitude, stated, “I have visited the National Cricket Academy after almost six years and received a warm welcome from the PCB officials. I am pleased that Zaka Ashraf has reinstated my pension. Given my health, I am particularly grateful for this step.”
In a generous gesture, the former fast bowler also offered his honorary services to the board in enhancing fast bowlers’ skills for the advancement of cricket.
Sarfraz Nawaz, who had a remarkable cricket career, played 55 Tests and 45 One-Day Internationals for Pakistan from 1969 to 1984. He is fondly remembered for his extraordinary 33-ball spell in Melbourne on 15th March 1979, where he took seven wickets for just one run. He went on to bowl his best bowling figures of nine for 86 in that innings, contributing significantly to Pakistan’s second Test win in Australia.
Throughout his career, the right-arm fast bowler took 177 Test wickets at an average of 32.75 and dismissed 63 batters in ODIs at an average of 23.22 runs apiece. In first-class cricket, he was a force to be reckoned with, securing an impressive 1,005 wickets at an average of 24.62.
The resolution of Sarfraz Nawaz’s unpaid ex gratia payments not only brings relief to the legendary cricketer but also sends a positive message to all former and current cricketers that their contributions to the sport will be recognized and valued by the PCB. The cricket board’s commitment to supporting players, past and present, highlights its dedication to nurturing and honoring its cricketing assets for years to come.
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