Lahore (SNP Report): Inzamam-ul-Haq, who was serving as the chairman of the national men’s selection committee and junior selection committee, has voluntarily stepped down from his positions, citing concerns related to potential conflicts of interest.
Inzamam assumed the role of chairman of the national men’s committee on August 7, 2023, and was recently appointed as chairman of the junior men’s selection committee. His resignation comes in light of allegations that he holds shares in a company owned by players’ agent, Talha Rehmani, who represents several prominent Pakistani cricketers, including Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Inzamam addressed the issue by stating, “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.”
Responding to Inzamam’s resignation, Zaka Ashraf, the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Management Committee, expressed his surprise, as Inzamam had not discussed this decision with him. He further mentioned that he had sought clarification from Inzamam on the ongoing controversy but received the resignation instead.
In the midst of these developments, PCB has initiated a fact-finding committee consisting of five members. The primary objective of this committee is to thoroughly investigate the allegations concerning conflicts of interest in the team selection process. Their inquiry will be comprehensive and focused on whether Inzamam’s dual role as Chief Selector and a shareholder in a company representing top cricketers might influence player selection decisions.
The PCB appreciates Inzamam’s decision to step down voluntarily during this investigation. The fact-finding committee is committed to delivering a swift and thorough report along with any necessary recommendations to the PCB Management. This action is part of PCB’s commitment to maintaining transparency and integrity within its selection committees.
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