Chief Selector Inzamamul Haq resigns amid 'brewing storm of controversy'
Cricket
The resignation comes after Pakistan suffered four consecutive defeats in India
LAHORE (Dunya News) – In an abrupt move, national cricket team chief selector Inzamamul Haq has resigned from his position amid the ongoing World Cup 2023.
The chief selector has sent his resignation to Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Zaka Ashraf. The decision comes after the former cricketer came under scrutiny amid allegation that he had stakes in a players' agent company, Yazo International Limited.
The allegation had raised concerns about potential clash of of interest as Talha Rehmani represents some of Pakistan's top players, including Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Mr Haq in a statement said the PCB should conduct an inquiry into the matter and he was available for it. He said those levelling the allegations should come up with evidence.
He categorically denied any link with the players’ agent company. “Such allegations hurt,” he said.
Inzamam said it was conveyed to him from the PCB that a five-member fact-finding committee had been formed to probe the allegations.
“I find it suitable to quit until the investigation is completed,” he said, adding that he would be available to serve again once the probe is over.
The resignation comes after the Team Green suffered four consecutive defeats in the ongoing mega event. It is all the more troubling as Inzamam did not wait for the tournament to conclude. Despite abysmal performance, the Pakistan team is yet to play three more matches in the marquee event and the chief selector's abrupt departure can affect the team's performance.
Read more: What next for Pakistan - ifs and buts
Meanwhile, PCB has also issued a statement, confirming that a five-member fact-finding committee has been setup to investigate allegations in respect of conflict of interest reported in the media pertaining to the team selection process.
— PCB Media (@TheRealPCBMedia) October 30, 2023
The committee will submit its report and any recommendations to the PCB Management in an expeditious manner. It also cofirmed that Inzamamul Haq had resigned as the chairman of the national men's selection committee and junior selection committee.
He was appointed as the chairman of the national men's committee on 7 August 2023 and was also appointed chairman of the junior men's selection committee earlier this month.
Inzamam said: "I am stepping down from the post to offer the PCB the opportunity to conduct a transparent inquiry about the conflict of interest allegations raised in the media. If the committee finds me not guilty, I will resume my role as the chief selector."
The PCB appreciated and acknowledged Inzamam's decision to voluntarily step down during this investigation.
