Inzamam quits as chief selector

PCB seeks clarification from ex-skipper about his alleged shareholding in a company

Pakistan's chief selector Inzamamul Haq on Monday tendered his resignation to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), a move subsequently confirmed by a PCB representative.

He was appointed chairman of the national men's selection committee on Aug 7, 2023 while he was assigned the junior men's selection responsibility earlier this month.

Concerns were recently raised about Inzamam's alleged shareholding in a UK-based company owned by Talha Rehmani, who serves as the agent for Inzamam and other players like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi.

The issue of potential conflict of interest was highlighted, and clarification from Inzamam was expected to be sought regarding this matter by the PCB.

Inzamam, while confirming the news, said: “People speak without research. Questions were raised on me, so I decided that it was better I resign.

“If the PCB wants to investigate me, I am available. People are talking [about me] without having any kind of proof. If there is any, then bring it. I have asked the PCB to do the same. I have no connection with the player agent company. These types of accusations hurt me.”

The former Pakistan team captain also opened up about the committee formed by the PCB to investigate into the matter.

"I was told on a phone call that a five-member committee has been created, so I told the board that as long as the investigation is going on, I better resign.

"When everything is back to normal [and the air has been cleared], I will sit down with the PCB again," 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 in a statement appreciated and acknowledged Inzamam's decision to voluntarily step down during the ongoing investigation into the potential conflict of interest allegations.

Earlier, Inzamam was summoned to the PCB headquarters where he had an hour-long meeting with the Management Committee Chairman Zaka Ashraf. Ashraf informed Inzamam of the constitution of a fact-finding committee to look into the matter.

Inzamam tendered his resignation immediately.

The committee will submit its report and any recommendations to the PCB management in an expeditious manner.