Inzamam-ul-Haq lashes out at PCB, Zaka Ashraf

Former chief selector of the national cricket team Inzamam-ul-Haq has slammed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and chairman of its management committee Zaka Ashraf.

A few days ago, Inzamam-ul-Haq's involvement as a shareholder in a company had come to light but he resigned from the position of chief selector before the formation of a committee to investigate the matter.

Subsequently, the PCB formed a five-member inquiry committee to investigate the process and conflicts of interest in team selection.

After resigning from his position, Inzamam spoke on Geo News' program "Capital Talk" on Wednesday. He stated that his lawyer has emailed the board, saying, "Summon us if you need us," but there has been no response to the email.

"I found out through the TV that my resignation was not accepted. The board members did not inform me of the non-acceptance of the resignation, and now they are trying to save face," he said.

"I didn't resign due to the performance of the team in the World Cup. PCB constituted a fact-finding committee to investigate my issue. PCB could've made this committee after the World Cup because I'm not running anywhere," he added.

Meanwhile, he slammed Zaka Ashraf and said: "The board chairman was appointed for four months, and now an additional three-month extension has been granted. During such extensions, efforts are made to shift blame onto others. A person tries to save themselves, saying that it's not their mistake."

Inzamam-ul-Haq further stated that if the team is not performing well, he is willing to take responsibility, not to escape it.

"PCB could have sent a message of ownership of the chief selector and captain after Pakistan lost some matches in the World Cup. This message would've given confidence to the team but instead, PCB made a committee to investigate me."

Inzamam stressed that Zaka Ashraf must have credited him for solving the central contracts' issue which was pending for four months.

"Zaka Ashraf called me to solve the issue of central contracts. A meeting was held one day before the team had to leave for World Cup. Babar Azam and Zaka Ashraf were also present in the meeting and later the issue was solved. PCB should have given credit to me for solving the issue which has been pending for the last four months but instead, they put the the blame on me," he added.

PCB confirms receiving Inzamam's email

The confirmation email of Inzamam-ul-Haq has been received, and they will respond with certainty, PCB said in a statement.

"PCB investigations are ongoing regarding the conflicts of interest, and Inzamam-ul-Haq is currently suspended. PCB will make a decision to retain or dismiss Inzamam once all investigations are complete, and he will not be allowed to take charge until then, PCB," the board added.

"Had Inzamam-ul-Haq accepted the resignation, he would have been relieved of his duties, and the matter would have ended. Inzamam-ul-Haq is a prominent cricketer, and PCB respects him. Inzamam-ul-Haq can play a significant role in the development of Pakistan cricket," PCB said.

"If PCB's intentions were not right, they would have removed Inzamam-ul-Haq, PCB. Investigations are being carried out based on integrity, PCB. Inzamam-ul-Haq's resignation was not accepted due to the respect shown to him.

"A three-month extension or the Chairman of PCB coming for four months is Inzamam's personal opinion.

"To say the least, we have handed everyone a free hand, and no changes have been made, No cricket board in the world would be against its cricket team. Whether the team performs well or not, PCB stands behind the team

"It seems Inzamam-ul-Haq does not want to continue his work himself. The Inzamam case is under investigation, so we cannot say much more. Inzamam-ul-Haq should refrain from such conversations regarding the investigations."