PCB Kicks off Women’s Cricket Trials and Collaborates with HEC; Concerns over Corruption Involvement of Javed Ali Memon
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is taking significant steps to promote school, college, and university cricket by launching nationwide trials for women cricketers starting August 5, 2024. This initiative is a commendable move to nurture talent from the grassroots level. Simultaneously, the PCB has signed an agreement with the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to organize cricket competitions across schools, colleges, and universities over the next three months.
However, this initiative is shadowed by serious allegations of corruption against HEC’s Sports Director, Javed Ali Memon. If Memon, who has been accused of financial misconduct, nepotism, and abuse of power, is involved in organizing these competitions, the outcomes might mirror previous sports events plagued by his mismanagement.
It would have been prudent to conduct an impartial investigation into the continuous allegations against Javed Memon before entrusting him with the responsibility of organizing such significant events. His reputation as a corrupt and dishonest individual raises concerns about his suitability for leading any sector’s future, especially sports.
The allegations against Memon are extensive, including financial malfeasance, favouritism, and giving undue advantages to certain universities. Reports suggest that he is backed by influential figures such as Sindh Governor Kamran Tesuri and the Chairman of HEC. Despite numerous corruption stories published domestically and internationally, no action has been taken against him, indicating his possible involvement in a broader corruption network. Notably, Memon, who holds an IT degree, seems an unusual choice for a sports-related position.
Foreign media have highlighted Memon’s hostile attitude towards Punjab University, Pakistan’s largest and most historic university, and his favouritism towards universities like Karachi University, Lahore College for Women University, Kinnaird College University, and others. Investigating these allegations and his personal dealings could reveal the extent of his corruption.
The Ministry of Sports and the Ministry of Interior should form a high-level commission to investigate the accusations against Javed Memon. Additionally, the Federal Ombudsman’s report on ongoing cases against HEC could shed light on his corrupt practices. Such an investigation could expose how Memon’s leadership has tarnished Pakistan’s sports fields and how merit has been consistently undermined.
Memon’s controversial decisions, such as raising the age limit for cricket team selection from 25 to 28 years and allowing HEC employees to play, seem aimed at benefiting his favorites through recommendation and bribery. Sources reveal that he has consistently favored certain universities, and examining the private lives of these universities’ sports directors could provide further evidence of his corruption.
To prevent further damage to Pakistan’s sports talent, a committee comprising members from NAB, the Federal Ministry of Sports, Pakistan Sports Board, and prominent sports figures should be formed to halt Javed Ali Memon’s activities and investigate the “Kamiyab Jawan” talent hunt program. Without removing this influential individual, Pakistan’s talent risks being wasted.
Memon’s favourite players have already tarnished Pakistan’s reputation in various sports, with the recent sanctions on Pakistani athletes in weightlifting and the use of prohibited drugs by managers and coaches being prime examples.
This dual approach by the PCB, promoting grassroots talent while dealing with corruption concerns, is critical for the future of Pakistan’s sports. Ensuring integrity in organizing these trials and competitions is essential for the genuine development of sports talent in the country.
