The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, Karachi

Pakistan's new cricket chief Ejaz Butt Thursday vowed to restore the health of the sport in the nation, plagued by security concerns and disciplinary problems.

Butt, a former secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in Pakistan, now the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), was appointed as chairman on Tuesday, replacing Nasim Ashraf, who resigned in August.

"I know there are problems which have plagued Pakistan cricket but I will try to do my best to remove these problems," Butt told AFP.

The 70-year-old Butt, a former wicketkeeper-batsman who played eight Tests for Pakistan, said he is confident that Pakistan can turn the corner.

The cricket chief's main problem will be to convince foreign teams that it is safe to tour Pakistan.