Zaka Ashraf
Chaudhry Muhammad Zaka Ashraf | |
|---|---|
| Born | September 9, 1952 Punjab, Pakistan |
| Occupation(s) | Administrator, Business leader |
| Known for | Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board |
Chaudhry Muhammad Zaka Ashraf (Punjabi: چوہدری محمد ذكا اشرف; born 9 September 1952) is a prominent Pakistani administrator and business leader who has held the position of chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board during three distinct periods.
Early life and education
Zaka Ashraf belongs to a Gujjar lineage and is the son of Chaudhry Muhammad Ashraf, a notable entrepreneur and influential figure within the PPP, closely associated with Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. His roots trace back to a well-established industrial and agricultural family based in Punjab.
He shares familial ties with senior politicians, being cousin to both Shafqat Mahmood of PTI and Chaudhry Jaffar Iqbal Gujjar from PML-N.
Since 1970, Zaka has been affiliated with the Pakistan Peoples Party, forging a strong political rapport with future leader Asif Ali Zardari during his college years given their aligned political ideologies. After completing his studies at Cadet College Petaro in 1973 and obtaining a bachelor's degree, he became involved in his family’s business enterprises.
His educational background includes attendance at Sadiq Public School, Bahwalpur, as well as Cadet College Petaro.
Chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board
On 15 October 2011, Zaka Ashraf was appointed chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board by the President of Pakistan, officially assuming office on 27 October 2011. His initial term concluded on 10 February 2014 when the PCB governing board was dissolved by the Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif, leading to his removal.
In August 2012, he was chosen as chairman of the Development Committee within the Asian Cricket Council.
Suspension by the Court
The Islamabad High Court suspended Zaka Ashraf from his PCB chairman role on 28 May 2013 after a petition questioned the validity of his election. The court prohibited him from performing his duties due to concerns over transparency in the electoral process. Proceedings were postponed on 24 June 2013.
Re-appointment
On 15 January 2014, a two-judge bench at the Islamabad High Court reinstated Zaka Ashraf as PCB chairman, overturning an earlier decision that had declared his appointment invalid and mandated new elections within 90 days. This ruling reversed a previous verdict issued by a single judge. Ashraf remained in office until 10 February 2014.
Third term
In June 2023, the Pakistan Peoples Party nominated Zaka Ashraf for the position of PCB chairman, contesting against Najam Sethi. After Sethi withdrew on 20 June, Ashraf was appointed to the PCB Board of Governors. He officially took over as chairman on 6 July 2023, succeeding Sethi. On 19 January 2024, Ashraf stepped down as Chairman and member of the Board; Mohsin Naqvi was named as his successor.