Veteran Pakistani Cricketer Inzamam-Ul-Haq has resigned from the position of Pakistan’s Chief Selector amidst Pakistan’s poor performance in the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023 in India. Inzamam-ul-Haq is also facing scrutiny due to allegations of his shareholding in “Yazo International Limited,” a company associated with player agent Talha Rehmani. This shocking revelation has sparked concerns about potential conflicts of interest as Rehmani represents several prominent Pakistani cricketers including Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Further questions arise about whether Inzamam’s dual roles as Chief Selector and shareholder in a Company that represents top cricketers can influence player selection decisions. Notably, this controversy arises due to significant disagreements between the PCB & players concerning central contracts.
Why did Inzamam abruptly resign from Pakistan’s Chief Selector Position?
On Monday, Inzamam made a shocking decision to submit his resignation as the Chief selector of the Pakistan Cricket team. The abrupt decision came amidst the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023. Inzamam-Ul-Haq cited “clash of interest” allegations as the major reason behind his resignation. Rumors had surfaced that Inzamam had engaged in conversations with PCB which propelled him to take such a drastic step.
There are also reports that PCB may need to compensate Inzamam with a sum of PKR 15 million as he has been compelled to resign from his position in the middle of his tenure. This payment would be equivalent to a monthly salary of 2.5 million rupees, paid out over six months.
Further adding to the complexity is the fact that Inzama is associated with “Yazo International Limited,” which is owned by prominent cricketer agent Talha Rehmani. This connection has raised concerns due to Rehmani’s representation of prominent cricketers including Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi. There are also reports of Rizwan co-ownning the company along with Rizwan which magnifies the suspicion of potential conflicts of interest.
Inzamam mediating Central Contracts Dispute
Ahead of the ODI World Cup 2023, the PCB faced significant disagreement regarding central contracts. The players led by some of the individuals represented by Inzamam’s agent were planning to boycott commercial activities during the tournament. Their key demand was a share of the money which the PCB has received from the ICC.
Inzamam played a crucial role in mediating this central contract dispute, pledging to resolve it within 48 hours. His intervention successfully led to the resolution of the standoff, with all the players’ demands being met.
Inzamam’s involvement in the central contract controversy as well as his potential conflicts of interest created a huge doubt over Inzamam’s capability of fulfilling the role of chief selector. Inzamam’s resignation comes as a major blow for the Pakistan Cricket team during the ODI World Cup 2023.
Amid all the reports of Inzamam’s association with the Player agent company, Inzamam expressed his readiness to co-operate with the PCB’s inquiry stating that he has no connection with that company. Whether Inzamam is involved with the Player agent company or it was just fake reports, all the doubts will be cleared once the PCB Committee completes its investigation & reveals its reports.
Meanwhile, PCB hopes that pakistran bounce back to form & perform in unison in the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023 to improve their position at the Points table.
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