In a surprising turn of events in Pakistan cricket, Inzamam-ul-Haq, who has been serving as the chief selector of the Pakistan men’s cricket team, made a personal decision to step down from his role. This decision comes in the wake of media reports suggesting that Haq might have had some involvement with a player’s management company registered with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). It’s important to note that these reports haven’t been officially confirmed. These reports also claimed that several prominent players, including stars like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, were linked to this company, which raised questions about how the team selection process was being handled.
During an interview Inzamam-ul-Haq shared that he took the allegations seriously and promptly approached the PCB, urging them to conduct an inquiry into the matter. In response, the PCB formed a five-member committee to investigate these allegations. Inzamam decided to step down from his role as chief selector during the course of this probe. He emphasized his willingness to cooperate with the PCB once the inquiry is concluded.
The former cricketing legend expressed his feelings of hurt when people made allegations without concrete evidence. “I am a human, and it hurts,” he said. He pointed out that he had a 20-year-long cricket career representing Pakistan and is a well-known figure. Such accusations, he explained, were painful.
Inzamam-ul-Haq also categorically denied having any direct connection with the player’s management company in question, called Saya Corporation. He clarified that these companies are usually recommended by the International Cricket Council (ICC), and the PCB has access to all relevant data regarding them.
Simultaneously, the Pakistan Cricket Board, in a post on social media, announced the formation of a five-member fact-finding committee to investigate the alleged conflict of interest in the team selection process reported by the media. The board promised to handle this matter expeditiously.
Inzamam-ul-Haq had taken up the role of chief selector for the second time on August 7. He had previously held the same position from 2016 to 2019. This decision to step down coincides with intense criticism of the national team for its underwhelming performance in the World Cup, particularly the four consecutive losses against India, Australia, Afghanistan, and South Africa after initial victories against the Netherlands and Sri Lanka.
