LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has restored former Pakistan fast bowler Sarfraz Nawaz’s pension, PCB said in a press release.
The meeting between Nawaz and PCB officials was held at National Cricket Academy in the presence of former captains Misbah-ul Haq and Mohammad Hafeez.
“I have visited the National Cricket Academy after almost six years and received a warm welcome from the PCB officials. I am pleased that Mr Ashraf has reinstated my pension. Given my health, I am particularly grateful for this step,” said Nawaz.
Hailed as one of the world’s best swing bowlers during his time, Nawaz played 55 Tests and 45 One-Day International from 1969 till 1984.
He famously delivered a 33-ball spell in Melbourne on 15 March 1979, in which he took seven wickets for just one run. He went on to bowl his best bowling figures of nine for 86 in that innings which helped Pakistan to their second Test win in Australia.
The right-arm fast bowler took 177 Test wickets at 32.75 and dismissed 63 batters in ODIs at 23.22 runs apiece. He took 1,005 wickets at an average of 24.62 in first-class cricket.
PCB official Zaka Ashraf handed over a cheque to settle the payments under the Players’ Welfare Policy and assured Nawaz of unconditional support.
The ex gratia payments had been discontinued as a result of disciplinary proceedings initiated against Sarfraz Nawaz by the previous managements over the violation of Code of Conduct under the Players’ Welfare Policy.
“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,” said Ashraf.
(PCB Media)
