Loud Thinking

Archive for February, 2015

A most urgent message to the PM Pakistan…http://t.co/HU5tAdob6N

Respected Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif Sahab,

AoA.

Sir,

The subject mentioned news item published by the daily “The Express Tribune” dated 30 June, 2014 (Link :- http://tribune.com.pk/story/729174/big-four-pakistan-to-earn-450-million-in-cricket-cycle/ )is being submitted below for your kind perusal because, the PCB is going to auction its media rights (for the next five years) tomorrow on 27 February, 2015 and it is in Pakistan’s interest to ensure that nothing less than $450 million is earned by the PCB from the auction of the media rights, for the next five years till 2020.

The amount of the $450 million is the figure himself quoted By Mr. Najam Sethi, which was reported by the daily “The Express Tribune” as detailed below, for your ready reference please.

Moreover, it is very strange arrangement by the PCB that although, the bidding rights issue is a marketing department’s domain yet, the Director Marketing PCB, is NOT included as a member of the bidding committee, which includes Mr. Najam Sethi, about whom, conflict of interest is reported.

Recently, this matter of conflict of interest, was considered such an objectionable and serious matter by the Indian Supreme Court that it removed the chairman of the BCCI, Mr. Srinivasan, from his post and debarred him from contesting any future elections of the BCCI.

Sir, in view of the seriousness of the matter and as per 100% transparency policy of your government, it is suggested that alongwith Mr. Khalid Mahmood, Ex.Chairman PCB, a member from each of the following organisations, should also attend this bidding process of the PCB, as observers:

– NAB
– FIA
– Public Procurement Regulatory Authority
– Office of the Auditor General of Pakistan
– Transparency International Pakistan

In this regard, if it is necessary the bidding process may be delayed for a few days, to ensure that the representatives of the above mentioned departments can attend the bidding meetings, in due course of time.

Best regards,

Syed Nayyar Uddin Ahmad

Link of the ET news :- http://tribune.com.pk/story/729174/big-four-pakistan-to-earn-450-million-in-cricket-cycle/

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board chief Najam Sethi claimed on Monday that his country will earn $450 million from the next eight-year cycle, mainly from four series with arch-rivals India.
India and Pakistan signed an agreement to play six series, four of which Pakistan will host in the next eight years, on the sidelines of an International Cricket Council (ICC) annual conference in Melbourne last week.
The windfall for Pakistan was made possible after they conditionally agreed to approve an ICC revamp that gives major powers to cricket’s “Big Three”, India, Australia and England.
The shake-up, which Pakistan initially opposed, was formally endorsed at the meeting in Melbourne.
“We would have been left isolated and gone bankrupt in two years had we not approved the revamp,” Sethi told media on return from Australia.
“We get the most revenues when we play with India and if all goes well we are set to earn $300 million from the four series we host against India,” he said.
Sethi said Pakistan gained significantly during the ICC meeting.
“Pakistan have been included in the executive committee of the ICC for one year, with India, Australia and England as the permanent members, which means we will be at the forefront of most of the decisions,” said Sethi.
That, Sethi claimed, will get Pakistan the most funds after the Big Three.
“We will get revenues on fourth number, and I can say with confidence that in the next eight year cycle we will get $150 million dollars from the ICC,” he said, bringing the total takings to $450 million.
This compares to Pakistan receiving $10 million from the ICC per year in the last seven-year cycle, Sethi added.
The first of the series with India is scheduled for December next year, likely to be played in United Arab Emirates.
“The agreement is now on paper and I hope that the day will also come when PMs of both the countries clear it, then the two countries will also play in Pakistan. But at the moment it is not possible,” Sethi added.
International cricket in Pakistan has been suspended since March 2009 when militants attacked the Sri Lankan team bus, leaving eight people dead and seven visiting players injured.
But Sethi said there would be no compensation if India does not play due to non-clearance from New Delhi.
“There was no compensation before, there is none now. This is not the norm in mutual series when government does not give permission.”
Mohammad Aamer’s return
Sethi also said banned paceman Mohammad Aamer will be able to play domestic cricket before his worldwide ban expires in August next year.
“The ICC committee will finalise changes in the anti-corruption code in October this year after which the PCB will submit an application on relaxing the ban on Aamer and in the last year of his ban Aamer will be able to play domestic cricket to get ready for the international matches,” said Sethi.
Aamer was banned for five years on charges of spot-fixing during the Lord’s Test against England in 2010. Then-Pakistan Test captain Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif were also banned for a minimum of five years in the same case.

“When I say it’s you I like, I’m talking about that part of you that knows that life is far more than anything you can ever see or hear or touch. That deep part of you that allows you to stand for those things without which humankind cannot survive. Love that conquers hate, peace that rises triumphant over war, and justice that proves more powerful than greed.”

—Fred Rogers (1928-20003)
Television Host, Educator, Minister, Songwriter

My 25 February, 2015 slot of Samaa TV program “Mission Melbourne” from 20.15 minutes to 23.05 minutes (total 2 minutes 50 seconds length)…Link:- http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2i440u

Today is a red letter day for the entire Afghanistan.

Heartiest congratulations to the Afghan nation for their historic victory over Scotland, which is the first ever cricket world success of Afghanistan’s cricket team.

Pakistan fully shares Afghanistan’s this moment of joy and triumph and wish all the success in their coming World Cup matches.

In fact, Pakistanis consider this as Pakistan’s own victory.

Very well played Afghanistani cricketers..!

Heartiest congratulations to the entire Afghan nation for this historic and first cricket World Cup victory.
Pakistan fully shares Afghanistan’s this moment of joy and triumph.

My article published today by the daily “Jang”.
Link:- http://e.jang.com.pk/02-26-2015/lahore/page11.asp#;

Right now cricketing legend spin king Abdul Qadir is at his prime best on Dunya TV program Mazaaq Raat.

“Try to make at least one person happy every day. If you cannot do a kind deed, speak a kind word. If you cannot speak a kind word, think a kind thought. Count up, if you can, the treasure of happiness that you would dispense in a week, in a year, in a lifetime!”

— Lawrence G. Lovasik