Karachi: Pakistan cricket Monday was bracing for sweeping changes less than a month before the Champions Trophy.

Following the resignation of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Naseem Ashraf, the stage has been set for more changes and there is a strong likelihood that Pakistan will soon have several new faces at its helm.

Traditionally in Pakistan cricket, a new PCB chairman brings with himself a new set of team and Ashraf's successor, whoever he must be, is unlikely to be any different.

Sources in the PCB told IANS Monday that there is a possibility that Pakistan will soon have a new captain, coach and a new set of selectors after Ashraf's successor is named.

Ashraf appointed Shoaib Malik as Pakistan captain and also decided on Geoff Lawson as the coach. All the national selectors who are currently serving were appointed by him.

Soon after Ashraf announced his resignation Monday, the selectors told him that they also want to follow suit. But the outgoing PCB chairman said that he wanted them to continue at least till a new board chief is named.

Meanwhile, Ashraf's resignation was generally greeted with joy in Pakistan's cricketing fraternity.

Legendary Pakistani Test batsman Zaheer Abbas said that he was expecting this move. "The writing was on the wall for Ashraf," he told IANS. "I mean everybody knows that Ashraf was appointed by President (Pervez) Musharraf and he (Ashraf) had to go once the president decided to resign," he said.

Former Pakistan captain Javed Miandad said Ashraf's exit would be a good omen for Pakistan cricket. "Ashraf was incapable to run Pakistan cricket," he said. "He caused a lot of damage to the sport and I hope that the competent authorities appoint somebody better for this important post," he added.
Source : IANS