PCB accepts Malik’s objection petition against Numan’s candidature

PCB accepts Malik’s objection petition against Numan’s candidature

By our correspondent

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board has rejected candidature of Muhammad Numan Butt as President Sialkot Region Cricket Association after his rival candidate Zulfiqar Malik had objected to former’s candidate for the forthcoming elections of the Sialkot Region Cricket Association.

 Muhammad Arshad Ali, Deputy Election Com Commissioner, in a detailed order late Thursday had informed both  Muhammad Numan Butt, candidate for the seat of President as well as Zulfiqar Malik  about decision on the objection petition filed by the latter. 

 In his order Deputy Election Commissioner PCB Muhammad Arshad Ali said that the objection petition filed by Zulfiqar Malik, candidate for the seat of President RCA Sialkot against the candidature of Muhammad Numan Butt, candidate for the above seat has been accepted and the nomination form of Muhammad Numan Butt, candidate for the seat of President RCA Sialkot has been rejected.

The order further said that Muhmmad Numan Butt submitted written reply to the objection petition, contending therein, that objections raised against his candidature are baseless and liable to be dismissed. 

He further contended that vide order dated 10th June 2020, the Honorable Independent Adjudicator of PCB suspended him from performing duties from 19th April 2019 and the period of his disqualification has also been expired on 18th April 2022 as mentioned in PCB Letter dated 8th February 2023, as such, the objection petition may be dismissed.

The objector Zulfiqar Malik and Muhammad Numan Butt appeared before the Deputy Election Commissioner November 15, 2023 along with their counsels.

The counsel, appearing on behalf of objector, while referring paragraph 14.1(m) of Model Constitution of RCA had argued that Muhammad Numan Butt was removed through supersession, as prescribed under the provisions of the Model Constitution of Regional Cricket Association by the Honorable Adjudicator of PCB vide order dated 10th June 2020, whereby, he was also disqualified and debarred for three years from contesting election or becoming a member, office- bearer of any association etc. 

It is also argued that and he is not eligible to contest the immediate election to be held thereafter, though the period of three years has been elapsed. It is further argued that the said embargo was imposed under paragraph 6.3 of the Model Constitution of RCA and the paragraph 14.1(m) of the above constitution is an independent provision, which provides that "If any office bearer is removed through supersession as prescribed under this Constitution, he will not be eligible to contest elections for any post in the elections conducted immediately thereafter" and the present election, scheduled 1614/23.