Inzamamul Haq, former captain of Pakistan the Pakistan men’s cricket team, made a significant announcement on Monday, declaring his decision to resign from the post of chief selector amid the allegations of the conflict of interest in the team selection process.
According a recent media report, Haq allegedly has a stake in a player’s management company registered with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
The report revealed that several top players, including Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, had affiliations with this company. These revelations subsequently raised questions about the integrity of the team selection process.
In a recent interview with a private channel, Inzamamul Haq disclosed that he had approached the PCB after these allegations came to light, requesting the board to conduct an inquiry.
He stated that he received a call confirming the formation of a five-member committee to investigate the matter. In response, Haq decided to step down from his role as Chief Selector until the committee concluded its probe.
Haq expressed his willingness to cooperate with the PCB once the inquiry was complete. He emphasized the commitment of cricketers to serve their country and cited the necessity of stepping aside during the inquiry due to the nature of his position.
He also conveyed his distress at facing allegations without substantial evidence, asserting his long and distinguished 20-year cricket career representing Pakistan. Haq acknowledged the emotional toll of such accusations and asserted that they were deeply hurtful.
The former cricketer firmly denied any association with the player’s management company under scrutiny, known as Saya Corporation.
He clarified that such companies are recommended by the International Cricket Council (ICC), and the PCB possesses all the requisite data regarding their operations.
In response to these developments, the Pakistan Cricket Board announced the formation of a five-member fact-finding committee tasked with investigating allegations of a conflict of interest in the team selection process, as reported in the media.
The PCB emphasized the committee’s commitment to promptly delivering its report and recommendations to the PCB management.
Furthermore, the PCB appreciated and acknowledged Inzamamul Haq’s voluntary decision to step down during the investigation, underscoring their commitment to transparency and fair play.
Inzamamul Haq had assumed the role of Chief Selector on August 7, marking his second stint in this position. He previously held the same role in 2016 but left at the conclusion of his term in 2019 after a three-year tenure.
