(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] In a surprising turn of events, ex-Pakistani cricketer and chairman of the selection committee, Inzamam-ul-Haq, stepped down from his role on Monday during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, in which the Pakistan cricket team is on the brink of elimination from the quadrennial tournament.
There were reports stating that Inzamam holds a stake in a company known as ‘Yazoo International Limited’. A director at the company is Talha Rehmani, managing director of Saya Corporation, which acts as an agent for various notable Pakistani players, including luminaries such as captain Babar Azam, wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan and pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi. According to gov.uk, Inzamam too holds a director position at Yazoo.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) tweeted on ‘X,’ informing that the board would set up a five-member committee to investigate the allegations of ‘conflict of interest’ leveled against Inzamam.
“Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has 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,” tweeted the PCB on Monday.
However, later on the same day, Inzamam, announced his decision to step down from the post in a press statement released by the PCB.
“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.”
Following his resignation, Inzamam mentioned that he has not been associated with any company and has not invested any of his shares in the player-agent company.
“People speak without research. Questions were raised on me so I decided that it was better I resign. People are making statements without research. I told the PCB to do their research. I have no relation with the player-agent company,” Inzamam was quoted as saying by Geo News.
Notably, it was Inzamam’s second term as the chairman of the selection committee. He had previously served in this role from 2016 to 2019. The 1992 World Cup winner was re-appointed by the PCB as the chief selector in 2023.
Things are not going well for the Men in Green as they have lost four consecutive matches in the ongoing tournament and are currently placed at the seventh position on the points table, having won only two games out of six.