Wasim Khan resigns as PCB chief executive

He becomes the third significant figure to leave Pakistan cricket in September, after the departures of head coach Misbah-ul-Haq and bowling coach Waqar Younis

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Wasim Khan has stepped down from his role as chief executive with the Pakistan Cricket Board.

The 50-year-old's decision comes four months before his three-year contract was up for renewal. Among the reasons for the exit is Khan's desire to "reunite with my young family" who are based in Birmingham in the UK.

It is the latest setback for Pakistan cricket during a turbulent month which has seen two home tours cancelled and two senior coaching staff, including Misbah-ul-Haq and bowling lead Waqar Younis, depart.

Khan's revealed the move during a PCB videoconference, with his resignation being unanimously accepted by the board. It remains to be seen whether a direct replacement is sought, with Ramiz Raja taking a hands-on role since arriving as chairman.

He exits the post having successfully delivered the return of Test cricket and the PSL back to Pakistan and a restructure of the sport at various levels, including in the first-class game and academies.

Though New Zealand and England have recently withdrawn from white-ball tours, Khan can also be credited with reestablishing Pakistan's status as a viable nation to host top tier franchise and international cricket.

“It has been an honour and a privilege to serve the Pakistan Cricket Board and hugely satisfying to see the resumption of Test cricket with Sri Lanka playing Tests in Rawalpindi and Karachi, and the homecoming of the Pakistan Super League during the last two years," he said.

^{Test cricket returned to Pakistan in 2019, early into Khan's tenure}

“When I arrived in 2019, there was a real need to build relationships and restore and enhance the global image and reputation of the PCB and Pakistan cricket.

"With decisive and strategic decision-making, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic, we succeeded in earning the goodwill and respect of the global cricketing family, which I am hopeful will lead to increased international cricket being hosted in Pakistan in future."

“With a five-year strategy in place, new domestic structure in its third season and the investment in women’s cricket in an upward direction, I feel it is the right time to move on and reunite with my young family. They have sacrificed a lot so that I could fulfill my dreams of contributing to Pakistan cricket, which will always remain very close to my heart."

Raja added: "During his time with the PCB, Wasim Khan provided excellent leadership, particularly following the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic when very little information was available and precise decision-making was required to ensure cricket remained unaffected and continued to be played at the domestic and international levels.

"The PCB owes Wasim Khan a debt of gratitude for his good leadership and we wish him well in his future plans and career endeavours."

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