Inzamam primed for chief selector’s post

PCB Chairman intends to make official announcement next week

KARACHI:

Former Pakistan skipper and 1992 World Cup star Inzamamul Haq is all set to be named as Pakistan Cricket Board’s chief selector after reports emerged on Saturday that the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has accepted his resignation.

Inzamam’s contract with the Afghans runs till December but PCB Chairman Shaharyar Khan spoke to ACB officials on Saturday and requested for his immediate release, which they accepted.



“I spoke to [ACB official] Shafiq Stanakzai and requested the immediate release of Inzamam as head coach of ACB. I’m happy to say that they agreed,” revealed Shaharyar. “He [Stanakzai] is very kind and I’m thankful to him. We have offered to make available any Pakistani player they want for coaching in return. I feel the way is now open for him to become Pakistan’s chief selector. We will make it public next week.”

The 46-year-old has helped Afghanistan become one of the most promising sides in the shortest format of the game and their performances in the recently-concluded World T20, where they defeated eventual champions West Indies in the group stage and gave South Africa a mini scare, received plaudits from fans and critics alike.

Stanakzai also seconded Shaharyar’s statement. “Though Inzamam’s contract runs till December, we understand his situation. If his country needs him then we can’t stop him,” he said.

Inzamam the right choice, says Ramiz

Former batsman and revered commentator Ramiz Raja has welcomed PCB’s decision to bring on Inzamam as he believes the change will provide a new sense of direction to the team.



“It’s a great decision. A new individual has been picked who will provide new ideas and will give hope to the entire nation that things can improve,” said Ramiz. “He is one of Pakistan’s greatest batsman and is someone whose volume of work has been really good.”

Ramiz also hailed Inzamam’s inclination to develop youngsters and believes his qualities will help improve Pakistan cricket. “Inzi has got the eye for talent and would certainly improve the youth system.”

The decision to appoint Inzamam has surprised many because Shaharyar has previously written strongly against him in his book for his part in the Forfeited Test, where Pakistan opted to forfeit the Test against England after umpires Darrell Hair and Billy Doctrove had decided to change the ball, and for being a religious leader during his playing days.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 17^th, 2016.

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