Inzamam-ul-Haq resigns as Afghanistan's coach, to be chief selector for Pakistan
Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq has decided to resign from the post of Afghanistan cricket team’s coach as he is set to become the chief selector of the Pakistan cricket team. The Pakistan Cricket Board reportedly wants the former great to don the chief selector's role as it seeks to revive the dying fortunes of the cricket team.
Inzamam was the coach of the Afghanistan cricket team in the recently concluded ICC T20 World Cup 2016 did a decent job with the team as the side won the hearts of cricket fans with their performances on the field. They even managed to beat the eventual champions West Indies in their final Super 10 encounter.
According to a report by ESPNCricinfo, Afghanistan Cricket Board chief Shafiq Stanikzai said, “We have received Inzamam’s resignation through e-mail.” He also said, "Today Shaharyar Khan called me and asked a favour to release Inzamam-ul-Haq as they are keen to hire him."
Was contracted until December
Stanikzai added that the former Pakistan great was contracted with them until December this year. But he said, "we are patriotic people and if Pakistan needs Inzamam for their own country, we are ready to release him. We are looking at the contract right now with all the terms and conditions but we are not going to drag this and rather finish this on good and high note."
The former captain is also all set to elect a competent selection committee members once he takes charge of the post. The formal announcement is likely to be made soon by the Pakistan Cricket Board.
Inzamam had joined the Afghanistan team as head coach for the team's tour of Zimbabwe in late 2015. After Afghanistan won the ODI and T20I series in Zimbabwe, he signed a contract extending his tenure.
Prior to his role with Afghanistan, Inzamam's last coaching assignment at the international level was a short-term stint as Pakistan's batting consultant in 2012-13.
Inzamam, who has been one of Pakistan’s all-time greats, received support from his former teammate Waqar Younis regarding his appointment as the chief selector of the Pakistan cricket team.
He argued in favour of Inzamam after recently resigning as Pakistan’s head coach. Inzamam had also captained Pakistan in thirty Tests, winning eleven, drawing nine and losing ten and could turn around the fortunes of the side.