Administrator, Abdullah Khurram Niazi, currently serving as Director Domestic Cricket, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Renowned for his exceptional leadership, administrative acumen, and dedication, Niazi has made a profound impact in both governance and sports management.
A Stellar Academic and Athletic Background
Born on December 9, 1981, Abdullah Khurram Niazi completed his early education at Cathedral School and Government College Lahore. He later pursued a Master’s degree in Economics from Punjab University, securing fourth position across the province.
His passion for sports led him to play 11 matches in the prestigious Quaid-e-Azam Trophy Grade 1 under the banner of Service Industry Department. Inspired and mentored by his father, Dr. Liaqat Ali Khan Niazi-former Deputy Commissioner (DC) Chakwal and Member Board of Revenue-he secured 2nd position in the highly competitive PMS (Provincial Management Services) exams in 2009.
A Dynamic Administrative Career
Niazi’s administrative journey spans various pivotal roles:
Assistant Commissioner (AC) in multiple districts, including Khushab, Sargodha, Bhalwal, Shalimar (Lahore), City Lahore, and Sadar Multan.
Director Punjab Food Authority, where he led key food safety reforms.
Deputy Secretary, Primary Healthcare Department, serving as the department’s official spokesperson during the COVID-19 crisis.
His exemplary leadership earned him the Best Assistant Commissioner Award in 2015 and 2018, marking his reputation as a proactive and efficient administrator.
Major Contributions to Urban Development & Governance
As Deputy Commissioner Sialkot, Abdullah Khurram Niazi spearheaded the Asian Development Bank-backed PICCIP project, executing record-breaking infrastructure developments. His tree plantation campaign gained widespread public recognition.
Niazi revolutionized public service delivery by ensuring:
Property registry verifications within five days, directly delivered to citizens via UMS (Universal Mailing Service).
Domicile certificates issued within 48 hours at citizens’ doorsteps.
Overhauling public spaces, including town squares and tree-lined avenues.
Restoring historic landmarks, including the mausoleum of Allama Iqbal’s parents and the renovation of Allama Iqbal Library.
Administrative Excellence in Jhang
During his 13-month tenure as Deputy Commissioner Jhang, Niazi made groundbreaking contributions:
Successfully resolved over 4,000 land dispute cases, ensuring zero backlog.
Auctioned government-owned lands on a regular basis, generating Rs. 240 million in revenue. Spearheaded the construction of Jhang Gymkhana, a significant urban development milestone.
Introduced new public parks, installed tuff tiles, and implemented sustainable urban beautification projects.
Held open courts to address public grievances efficiently.
Processed and resolved over 3,890 inheritance-related cases in just four months, maintaining 100% clearance.
A Transformational Force in Domestic Cricket
Transitioning to Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as Director Domestic Cricket, Abdullah Khurram Niazi revolutionized the domestic cricket structure by:
Introducing Pakistan’s first-ever performance-based system for player selection.
Implementing district-level performance monitoring reports to identify and nurture talent.
Launching 101 training camps nationwide to revitalize club cricket.
Making fitness tests mandatory for all domestic cricketers, ensuring higher performance standards.
Laying the foundation for a new Gaddafi Stadium, a landmark initiative shaping Pakistan’s future cricketing infrastructure.
His unwavering commitment to reviving school and college-level cricket tournaments after a 21-year and 15-year hiatus, respectively, stands as one of his most significant achievements in PCB.
Legacy of Excellence
From eradicating land mafias and ensuring transparent governance to pioneering structural reforms in Pakistan’s domestic cricket, Abdullah Khurram Niazi has set a benchmark for dynamic leadership and integrity. His vision, strategic execution, and dedication to excellence continue to redefine both Pakistan’s bureaucratic landscape and its cricketing future.
