PCB and two other sporting bodies under the scanner in Pakistan

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) of Pakistan has issued a statement saying that its chairman Justice (Retd.) Javed Iqbal has ordered a probe into cases of illegal use of resources in three of the top sporting bodies in Pakistan including the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

This move is likely to cause friction between the cricket board and its players. The order has come on the back of alleged cases of corruption and misuse of power in governing bodies like PCB, Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) and Pakistan Sports Board (PSB).

The NAB chairman ordered inquiries

The talks about mismanagement of funds by the apex sporting bodies have been doing the rounds in the country for quite some time now. Earlier this week, some top officials of the PCB including the COO were summoned before the Federation Investigation Agency (FIA) to record statements linked with corruption in the national cricket body. When the reports emerged, Najam Sethi, the PCB chairman dubbed the claims as false and fabricated to malice the image of the body.

Interestingly, PCB is the richest sports body in Pakistan and independent of any financial aid from the central government. Hence, it is subject to the most rigorous investigation and surveillance to ensure there are no financial frauds. It can be said that the position of Pakistan in sports is looking bleak both on the field and off it.

The developments in the said probe will be closely watched and followed by all. PCB itself is in the midst of probe against some of its players over corruption charges. In such a situation, questions regarding the integrity of the board itself can jeopardize its position as the top sports administration council. It will be interesting to note what revelations the inquiry makes and the names that emerge for their involvement in the whole fiasco.