Moin apologises for casino visit

National chief selector has been called back by PCB to clarify his stance.

KARACHI: National chief selector Moin Khan, who is accompanying Pakistan for the World Cup in capacity of the touring selection committee head, has issued an apology statement for visiting a casino for dinner ahead of the Pakistan-West Indies clash.

The 43-year-old has already been called back by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on immediate basis to clarify his position in front of the board’s top brass and public.

Moin claims that he had gone to Christchurch’s casino along with his wife for a dinner hosted by a friend, but his visit right before Pakistan’s match has received severe criticism.

“I had gone to a casino in Christchurch with friends and family to have dinner. On hindsight, the choice of venue for dinner was indeed inappropriate, which has, and rightly so, offended the public in Pakistan as well as cricket fans,” said Moin in his statement.

Before the team had departed for the World Cup, the PCB was criticised by the cricketing fraternity for sending Moin with the team as only the management is allowed to decide selections among them.

“I have already explained my position to the PCB chairman and have apologised to him. He has asked me to return home to further clarify my position in person, which I have readily accepted,” he said.

Moin, through his statement, also apologised to the Pakistan public for his “insensitivity” in the choice of venue for dinner.

For more than 16 months now, Moin has been associated with the PCB in different roles including manager, head coach and now chief selector.

The board has been criticised for persisting with Moin and not looking beyond him to induct other former cricketers in such strong posts.

Moin, who was part of Pakistan’s World Cup winning side of 1992, has represented the country in 69 Tests and 219 ODIs.

The former skipper will now directly arrive at Lahore, where he will meet PCB Chairman Shaharyar Khan, after which a decision will be made as to whether they should carry on with him or part ways.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 26^th, 2015.

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