The International Cricket Council's (ICC) Pakistan Task Team (PTT) has recommended what amounts to a root and branch reform of the game in Pakistan, which includes broad changes to the way the board is run but also on issues such as selection and managerial appointments.

The PTT presented a 38-page report during the annual conference in Hong Kong last week and listed 63 recommendations which it believes will strengthen cricket in the country. The report has also, in strong terms, called for a resumption of cricket ties with India, recognising it to be a key component of the fabric of Pakistan's cricket.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said last week it would review the report and get back to the ICC with some "observations" on the recommendations; in some instances, such as the recommendations to reduce the power of the chairman, board officials believe the PTT has gone beyond its remit.

The parameters for the body's work — as the report acknowledges — did expand over time. Initially set-up in light of continuing concerns over security in Pakistan (it was constituted in June 2009 having been on the agenda since February that year) it broadened its role after the spot-fixing scandal to take in "integrity issues" as well as matters of governance and administration.

And it is the recommendations on the last that are particularly eye-opening. "Perhaps the strongest of the recommendations, however, relate to the governance structures of Pakistan cricket," the executive summary of the report states. "It is highly unusual that the President of the country is entitled to appoint both the Chairman of the PCB and over half of the Governing Board. It is also inconsistent with the demands of modern sports administration that the Chairman also holds the powers of the CEO.

"The PTT believes there should be a wholesale [internal] review of the PCB's governance structures, including its constitution. While recognising that changes may not happen overnight, the PTT believes that preserving the status quo will constrain the development of Pakistan cricket in the longterm and is not in keeping with international best practice in sports administration."

Ten recommendations are made on matters of selection, the report noting that "there has been a high level of turnover of selectors in the past five years with five different people serving as chairman of selectors in this short period." The report recommends that the selection committee operate without "outside interference" and also suggests that appointments to the committee should be through a clear process, approved the board of governors. Most tellingly, it asks that the chairman's right of veto on selection of players be removed altogether.

The PIT also suggests that the number of centrally contracted players be reduced. Presently 45 players are centrally contracted with the PCB, including 30 in category A B and C, with 15 receiving monthly stipends. The PTT suggests that the number of contracted players be restricted to 25, plus lOstipends.

The absence of Indo-Pak cricket, the report said, is hurting the sport "The absence of the traditional bilateral series between Pakistan and India from the international cricket calendar is denying millions of cricket loving fens across the world from enjoying an iconic series. It is also hurting the sport, particularly in Pakistan and the PTT sees no reason why this great sporting rivalry should not be restored as soon as possible, even if on neutral soil."