Inzamam-ul-Haq steps down as Pakistan chief selector

Inzamam-ul-Haq has resigned from the role of Pakistan national cricket team’s chief selector amid the team’s poor run of form in the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in India. 

According to reports, the former Pakistan captain sent his resignation letter to PCB chief Zaka Ashraf on Monday, October 30.

"People speak without research. Questions were raised on me so I decided that it was better I resign," Inzamam was quoted as saying by Geo News.

Inzamam ul Haq reveals the reason behind his resignation.#PakistanCricket #Pakistan #ShahidAfridi #Inzamamulhaq #ShameOnYouZakaAshraf pic.twitter.com/mABH1l8VYE

— I ق R A (@weird_mystery_) October 30, 2023

The PCB's decision to terminate Inzamam's contract could put a heavy financial strain on the board. As per various reports, PCB would be forced to provide the former cricketer with an amount of approximately PKR 15 million which is equivalent to a 2.5 million rupee salary per month, spread out over six months.

Fall-out of poor performance in ODI World Cup 2023

Inzamam was reportedly involved in possible conflicts of interest that further complicated his termination from the team chief selector role. It turns out that Talha Rehmani, the agent for cricket players, owns "Yazo International Limited," a firm in which Inzamam is a shareholder. Given that Rehmani represents several of Pakistan's top cricketers, having the likes of Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi, which has drawn criticism. Moreover, it is understood that Rizwan is also a co-owner of the same company.

These disclosures were made following reports of significant conflicts with the players' principal contract with the PCB. There were significant tensions before the 2023 World Cup and they demanded a share of the money the PCB received from the ICC.

Inzamam, who is represented by the top Pakistani cricketers, stepped in to arbitrate and promised to settle the conflict within 48 hours. After his intervention, the standoff was resolved and all of the players' met their demands. As a result, Inzamam's involvement in the contract dispute and apparent conflicts of interest cast a shadow over his former role as chief selector of the national team.