Rana quits Asian Council to join Pakistan board

Dubai: Sultan Rana, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Development manager, has resigned to take over as the Pakistan Cricket Board Director Domestic Cricket Operations.

Rana was a former Pakistan team selector and is the brother of international umpire Shakoor Rana. He has played nearly 20 years of first class cricket and even represented Pakistan in an unofficial Test match.

"I enjoyed my stay with the ACC. It was an enriching experience. My role with the PCB will be a challenging one as this is a new position being created to look after the vast and important area of domestic cricket," Rana told Gulf News.

Rich experience

"I will be able to contribute from my experience of having played first class cricket for nearly two decades. I have also worked with PCB in various capacities.

"The PCB has employed a very good team made up of former cricketers, who have played the game with distinction to assist me. I am sure as team we would be able to contribute to the progress of the game in Pakistan," added Rana.

Talking about his three-year stint with the ACC, Rana said: "I am delighted that I could increase the level of competition and introduce tournaments like the Twenty20, and women's competitions. I could also carry out development work in nations like China."

Rana expressed his happiness at the increasing talent in affiliates such as Oman and Afghanistan. "There is good talent available in the Asian region and member countries should keep up the good work to unearth more talent," he said.