Inzamam steps down as national chief selector

Pakistan chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq stepped down as the chief selector on Wednesday but was open to take up any new assignment from the Cricket Board.

The under-fire chief selector told a press conference in Lahore that he would not seek an extension or renewal of his contract, which expires on July 31.

"After more than three years as chief selector, I have decided not to seek a renewal of my contract," the former skipper said.

"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 in new ideas and fresh thinking.

"I spoke to PCB chairman Ehsan Mani and Managing Director Wasim Khan on Monday and conveyed my decision to them separately. I also thanked them for backing and supporting the selection committee since taking over the reins of Pakistan cricket," Inzamam, the most capped Test player, said.

A veteran of 120 Tests came under severe criticism as the chief selector for being uncertain about some selection decisions and poor planning ahead of the World Cup, where Pakistan failed to qualify for the knockouts.

Chief selector since mid-2016, Inzamam headed the selection committee that also included Wasim Haider, Tauseef Ahmed and Wajahatullah Wasti
"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."