ICC deadline to PCB is justified: Abbas

The former batting great said the ICC had been forced to resort to such a move because of the PCB's stubbornness and refusal to take concrete action in disciplinary and corruption issues.

"I don't think the ICC wants to damage Pakistan cricket. I believe they want to see us prosper and improve. But when this board refuses to listen to them or work with them then obviously they have no option but to give us deadlines," Zaheer said.

He said PCB was solely responsible for the problems in Pakistan cricket. "It is shameful that people who don't have basic knowledge of cricket or cricket administration are running cricket in Pakistan," he added.

He pointed out that the ICC was forced to move and caution the PCB because of the way they handled the spot- fixing issue in England.

"I agree with Imran Khan that the PCB itself should have moved and taken action against the players accused of spot fixing and sent them home. The ICC I think waited for the PCB to do something but when they remained stubborn they moved and the issue is now out of the hands of the PCB," he said.

Known as the 'Asian Bradman' for his run scoring feats in his hey days, Zaheer said he wanted to serve Pakistan cricket and was always available. "Pakistan cricket has given me a lot and it saddens me when I see the current state of our cricket affairs," he said.
The ICC after its executive board meeting in Dubai this week issued a stark warning to the PCB to improve its governance and seriously enforce anti-corruption steps or face sanctions after a 30-day deadline.

The PCB has indicated that it is ready to implement the ICC recommendations and would soon be setting up its own anti-corruption unit to monitor the domestic cricket and also the national team.