PCB Restores Pension of Former Test Pacer Sarfaraz Nawaz

image-ll2e0ualPak Pacer, Sarfaraz Nawaz (Twitter)

The pension of Sarfaraz Nawaz, a former Test pace bowler, has been reinstated by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). His payments had been withheld since January 2017 due to unverified defamatory remarks he made against the former Chairman, Najam Sethi. The discontinuation of ex gratia payments was a consequence of disciplinary actions taken against Nawaz by past administrations of the PCB. These actions were a response to his breach of the Code of Conduct outlined in the Players' Welfare Policy.

Nawaz, who has been facing health challenges following a medical incident in London last year, held discussions with Zaka Ashraf, the PCB chief and head of the Cricket Management Committee, in Lahore on Tuesday. The purpose of the meeting was to find a resolution to the suspended ex gratia payments. During the meeting, Nawaz assured the PCB of his commitment to adhere to the Code of Conduct.



In a ceremony attended by Misbah ul Haq, the head of the Cricket Technical Committee, and Muhammad Hafeez, a committee member, Ashraf handed a cheque to Nawaz to settle the outstanding payments.

Ashraf expressed that he decided to meet with the former Test fast bowler to listen to his side of the story.

"It's regrettable that past administrations utilized the PCB's resources for personal vendettas," Ashraf remarked. "No cricketer should have to undergo the challenges Nawaz has faced. I want to assure all former and current cricketers, regardless of their international or domestic status, that the PCB regards them as invaluable assets. We are committed to supporting them throughout their lives in every possible manner. They deserve the care and respect of their cricket board."

This payment has been made in accordance with the PCB's Players' Welfare Policy, and the PCB Chief affirmed their unwavering support for former players without any conditions.