Inzamam-ul-Haq steps down as chief selector

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

Concerns were recently raised about Inzamam's alleged shareholding in a 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 conflicts of interest was highlighted, and clarification from Inzamam was expected to be sought regarding this matter by PCB on Monday.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have now announced that they have set up a five-member fact finding committee to investigate allegations in respect of conflict of interest reported in the media pertaining to the team selection process.

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

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 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," he added.

The former captain also opened up about the committee formed by the PCB to investigate 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 clear], I will sit down with the PCB again," Inzamam concluded.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the PCB Management Committee, Zaka Ashraf, addressed Inzamam’s resignation as chief selector, stating that the former Pakistan captain made the decision independently without prior discussion.

"Instead of meeting or giving his clarification, he resigned. I respect him and I will be available to meet him whenever he wants," Ashraf said.

It must be noted that Inzamam was the chairman of both the Senior and Junior Men's Cricket Selection Committee.