Inzamam decides to step down as chief selector after July 30

LAHORE: Chief Selector Inzamam-ul-Haq announced on Wednesday that he had decided to step down after July 30 from his post.

Addressing a press conference, the legendary batsman and chief selector said that he had decided not to continue after his term expires on July 30.

Inzamam thanked the cricket team and the PCB for respecting his choice. He said that he had told the PCB of his decision a few weeks ago.

“When I returned [from United Kingdom], I told the Pakistan Cricket Board [PCB] that I did not want to continue with my position. I joined in 2016 and have spent a good time here. Now, I have decided that new people should come, with new thinking and ideas,” he said.

Inzamam held a presser for the first time after Pakistan’s exit from the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. The chief selector said that he picked the team on the advice of the captain and coach of the cricket team.

About his nephew Imam ul Haq, Inzamam said that the former had started playing cricket and got selected for the Under 19 when he was not the chief selector of the team.

“He has been playing with an average of 50 and has been playing well. He should get the same regard as other players. Grant Flower (batting coach) came to me and said Imam should be in the team; Mickey Arthur (head coach) said the same. I sidelined myself when it came to Imam’s selection,” he said.

Inzamam urged people not to get emotional when it comes to Imam ul Haq but to look at the facts. He defended Shoaib Malik and said that at times, veteran players fail to perform up to the expectations.

“That does not mean that there is something wrong with the cricketer or the selection process,” he said.

Inzamam said that the team had performed well and won four matches when they were required to do so. He said that Pakistan had beaten the two finalists.

“It is unfortunate that we could not make it to the last four. Veteran cricketers and analysts have criticised the NRR (Net Run Rate) rule,” he said.