PCB restores Sarfaraz Nawaz's impending pension 

The Pakistan Cricket Board has reinstated the pension of former Test pace bowler Sarfraz Nawaz, whose payments were ceased since January 2017 after found guilty of making uncorroborated defamatory remarks against former chairman Najam Sethi. 

The ex-gratia payments were halted as an outcome of disciplinary proceedings initiated against Nawaz by the former setups of the PCB over his violation of the code of conduct under the Players’ Welfare Policy. 

Nawaz, who coped with a health scare in London last year, met with the PCB chief Zaka Ashraf- who is also the head of the board’s cricket management committee- in Lahore on Tuesday in an offer to resolve the suspended payments. 

Nawaz reassured the Board over his compliance with the code of conduct. Ashraf issued a cheque in the presence of the head of the technical committee, Misbah Ul Haq and member Mohammad Hafeez to settle the outstanding payments of Nawaz. The payment was made in accordance with PCB’s Players’ Welfare Policy, and the PCB chief promised unconditional support for former cricketers. 

Ashraf said he decided to arrange a meet up with Nawaz and hear him out, as he was unhappy to learn that a former Test cricketer was in a critical situation and was being deprived of his rightful pension. 

“It is disappointing that the previous administrations have used the PCB's coffers to settle personal scores," Ashraf said. "No cricketer should have to go through what Nawaz had to face, and I want to reassure every former and current cricketer - international or domestic - that the PCB considers them as its asset, and will look after them at every stage of their life, and in every possible way. They deserve to be loved and respected by their cricket board."

The ex chairman Najam Sethi, had filed a defamation suit against Nawaz for making unconfirmed allegations against him. A few months back, Nawaz had appealed to the board to conclude the matter. 

Nawaz said he was pleased to see the matter settled due to his health concerns. “I have visited the National Cricket Academy after almost six years and received a warm welcome from the PCB officials," he said. "I am pleased that Mr Zaka Ashraf has reinstated my pension.

"In a voluntary capacity, I offer honorary services to the board to enhance fast bowlers' skills for cricket's advancement."

Nawaz’s international career spanned 15 years between 1969 to 1984 during which he played 55 Tests and 45 ODIs.  He is known for his staggering figures of 9 for 86 against Australia in Melbourne in 1979.