Former Pakistani cricketer Inzamam-ul-Haq has announced his resignation from the post of Chief Selector of Pakistan’s cricket team. He announced his decision during a press conference today. However, he will complete his tenure that ends on July 30. “I think it is time to step down, I will complete my team that ends on July 30. After more than three years as chair of the Pakistan men’s selection committee, I have decided not to seek renewal of my contract”, he said.
He also spoke about Pakistani cricket team’s poor performance in the Cricket World Cup 2019. “Cricket is my passion but I do not want to be part of the selection process. Unfortunately, we lost the opening match and it became difficult to make up the run rate in later matches”, said Inzamam.
According to reports, Pakistan’s miserable performance in the World Cup 2019 is the reason behind Inzamam-ul-Haq’s decision. He had faced criticism for being uncertain about some selection decisions and poor planning ahead of the World Cup 2019. He admitted that the Pakistani cricket team could have performed better in the World Cup 2019. “The team could have performed better during my time than the results reflect and I may have inadvertently overlooked some potentially deserving players, but I have always had the best interests of Pakistan cricket foremost in my heart. I hope the passionate Pakistan cricket fans will understand and can see this in my decisions”, he admitted.
“With the ICC World Test Championship due to get underway in September, the ICC T20 World Cup in 2020 and the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, I believe it is the right time for the Pakistan Cricket Board to appoint a new Chief Selector who can bring new ideas and fresh thinking”, he said. Former Pakistani Test opener Mohsin Hasan Khan’s name has reportedly been recommended as the new Chief Selector. Khan has earlier held the position the of Chief Selector and has yielded good results. He has also served as the interim head coach of the Pakistani cricket team.
Inzamam-ul-Haq’s nephew Imam-ul-Haq however, came out in defense of his uncle during a press conference in Lahore. He said that the Chief Selector only could not be held responsible for the team’s poor performance and that there were other members also on the selection committee.
