Pakistan chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq steps down mid-ICC World Cup

Islamabad: Inzamam-ul-Haq has stepped down as Pakistan’s chief selector with immediate effect midway through the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.

Pakistan have won two and lost four of their first six matches of the tournament, leaving them with an outside but unlikely chance of qualifying for the semi-finals.

And the Pakistan Cricket Board announced that Inzamam has stepped down from his role with the team pending an internal investigation.

Inzamam's departure from the post could be temporary, with the 53-year-old saying:

"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."

The legendary Pakistan captain and batter was previously the men’s chief selector between 2016 and 2019, and returned to his role ahead of the Asia Cup earlier this year.

In his previous tenure as the chief selector, Pakistan won the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy by beating arch-rivals India by 180 runs at The Oval. He also picked the squad that won five out of the nine league games at the 2019 Cricket World Cup in England and Wales but failed to make it to the knock-out stage.

Pakistan’s disappointing showing in India had seen some criticism turned toward captain Babar Azam as well as Inzamam.

But head coach Mikey Arthur, speaking last week, warned against apportioning individual blame.

“It's really unfair to start a witch hunt, certainly on Babar Azam, on Inzi, on our coaches, on the management team,” Arthur said.

“What I do know is the boys have tried and the effort of the coaching staff, the effort of the players has been first-class. If they would see the amount of effort that the players and staff put in, they would be amazed.” (UNI)