Inzamam-ul-Haq to step down as Pakistan selector

The former Pakistan captain has said he will not seek a renewal of his contract with the PCB, which is due to expire at the end of the month

Inzamam-ul-Haq has announced he is to step down as Pakistan's chief selector.

The former national captain told a press conference in Lahore on Tuesday that he would not seek an extension of his contract with the PCB, which is due to expire at the end of the month.

He was appointed to the role in April 2016 and oversaw a period which included Pakistan's victory in the Champions Trophy two years ago.

His initial deal had been due to run out in April, but was extended by the PCB to take in the recent World Cup, in which Pakistan finished fifth in the group stage and failed to qualify for the knockout rounds.

Inzamam said: “It has been a pleasure to see these players grow and make names for themselves in international cricket. I will follow their progress with interest because I firmly believe these players have all the ingredients to take the Pakistan cricket team to greater heights.

“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.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank my fellow selectors, who worked tireless behind the scenes, as well as captain Sarfaraz Ahmed and coach Mickey Arthur. I think we worked very well as a group, stayed together in difficult times, and continued to collectively move in the same direction.

“I wish the new chief of the selection committee and the Pakistan cricket teams all the best in what will be exciting but competitive times in international cricket.”