ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) restored ex-fast bowler Sarfraz Nawaz’s pension after a gap of more than years.
Zaka Ashraf, the head of the Management Committee, and Nawaz met to resolve the unpaid ex gratia payments issue dating back to January 2017.
The board’s statement indicates that the meeting took place in a friendly atmosphere at the National Cricket Academy, with the presence of former captains Misbah-ul-Haq and Mohammad Hafeez.
During the meeting, Ashraf presented Nawaz with a cheque to settle the payments according to the Players’ Welfare Policy. Ashraf also assured Nawaz of unwavering support.
The previous management had halted the ex gratia payments due to disciplinary proceedings against Nawaz. These proceedings were initiated because of Nawaz’s violation of the Code of Conduct under the Players’ Welfare Policy.
Nawaz has given his assurance to the PCB that he will adhere to the Code of Conduct. As a result, the PCB will resume making ex gratia payments to him as outlined in the Players’ Welfare Policy.
Ashraf said on the occasion: “I was upset to see a former Test cricketer in such a condition and it was disturbing to see Mr. 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.”
“No cricketer should have to go through what Mr 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.”
Nawaz expressed that he had visited the National Cricket Academy after nearly six years and PCB officials warmly welcomed him.
“I am pleased that Zaka Ashraf has reinstated my pension. Given my health, I am particularly grateful for this step. In a voluntary capacity, I offer honourary services to the board to enhance fast bowlers’ skills for cricket’s advancement.”
Sarfraz Nawaz: Cricket Excellence and Record-Breaking Achievements
From 1969 to 1984, Nawaz actively participated in 55 Tests and 45 One-Day Internationals for Pakistan. One of his most remarkable moments occurred on 15 March 1979 in Melbourne, where he delivered an impressive 33-ball spell.
During this spell, he accomplished the extraordinary feat of claiming seven wickets while conceding only one run. Notably, he achieved his career-best bowling figures of nine for 86 in that specific innings, significantly contributing to Pakistan’s second Test victory in Australia.
Operating as a right-arm fast bowler, he secured 177 wickets in Test matches with an average of 32.75. In One-Day Internationals, he eliminated 63 batsmen, yielding an average of 23.22 runs per dismissal.
Remarkably, his proficiency extended to the realm of first-class cricket, where he accomplished an impressive tally of 1,005 wickets, maintaining an average of 24.62.
