Pakistan govt to open inquiry against ex-cricket board chairman Zaka Ashraf over corruption charges

The Pakistani government is reportedly set to open an inquiry against former chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Mohammad Zaka Ashraf over alleged charges of corruption while working both at the PCB and Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL).

There had been complaints against Ashraf for wasting the PCB's money by appointing 68 employees on lucrative packages on the basis of favouritism and nepotism and appointing army officials, who had retired or were close to retirement.

According to the Express Tribune, the Prime Minister's Office and the Ministry of Inter Provincial Coordination have asked the PCB to provide details of the irregularities committed by Ashraf during his tenure as the body's chief.

The Islamabad High Court has ordered a special audit of the PCB as well as the National Cricket Academy for the last five years, and said that criminal cases must be registered against officials, including Ashraf, for 'plundering the PCB's money and converting assets of the board for personal use'.

The report mentioned that the National Accountability Bureau has also been asked to initiate an inquiry against Ashraf and three other officials for a reported loss of Rs.7 billion at ZTBL.