PCB woes rise as chief selector threatens to quit after Pakistan's Asia Cup debacle

In a dramatic turn of events during the Asia Cup 2023 in Sri Lanka, Pakistan legend Inzamam-ul-Haq threatened to resign from his post as the chief selector of the Pakistan men's cricket team. The turmoil stemmed from Inzamam's desire for complete authority over granting Non-objection Certificates (NOCs) to players for their participation in various T20 leagues, a request that the PCB declined, citing a potential conflict of interests.

3 things you need to know

• Inzamam-ul-Haq has previously also threatened to quit 
• Inzamam picked Pakistan's squd for the 2019 World Cup
• Pakistan were knocked out of the Asia Cup in group stage

ALSO READ: 'Ready And Will Give My 100 Percent': R Ashwin Gears Up For Potential World Cup Call

PCB and Inzamam reahced an agreement

Faced with the prospect of Inzamam's resignation, the PCB contemplated appointing either Misbah ul Haq or Nadeem Khan as the chief selector, as reported by Cricket Pakistan. However, a confidential agreement was ultimately brokered between Inzamam-ul-Haq and PCB officials, preventing his departure. 

This marked the second time Inzamam had threatened to resign since taking over the role on August 7, following Haroon Rasheed's departure. Interestingly, Inzamam and the PCB had not formalised their working relationship with a contract.

In a previous standoff, Inzamam had demanded a long-term contract, leading to negotiations with PCB management committee chairman Zaka Ashraf. Eventually, Inzamam signed a three-year contract with a monthly salary exceeding 20 lakh Pakistani rupees, which was officially announced on August 31.

This marks Inzamam's second stint as chief selector, having previously held the position from 2016 to 2019, during which he selected Pakistan's squad for the 2019 World Cup in England.

Pakistan's Asia Cup debacle 

The timing of this turmoil could not be worse for Pakistan, as they are currently the second-ranked side in ODIs but recently suffered disappointing defeats to India and Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup's Super 4 stage. 

Several Pakistan players underperformed during the tournament, and key performers Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf succumbed to injuries. With the World Cup less than four weeks away and the deadline for announcing the final team set for September 28, Inzamam faces a daunting task of making crucial decisions to bolster Pakistan's chances on the global stage.