Inzamam-ul-Haq in running for the post of PCB chief selector
Pakistan's most-capped player with 120 Tests and 398 ODIs, Inzamam-ul-Haq has recently made the transition to being a successful national coach who has virtually performed overnight wonders with the Afghanistan cricket team. It now looks increasingly likely that he will have another feather in his cap as he looks all set to become the next chief selector of Pakistan.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has widened its search for a new chief selector by including Inzamam's name to the possible list of contenders. A reliable source in the PCB has reportedly told the PTI that PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan has been in touch with Inzamam and Rashid Latif to give one of them the post of the chief selector.
“Look nothing is final as yet that is for sure. Shaharyar is presently in the process of talking to likely candidates and Inzamam and Rashid are among them. But it is wrong to say Inzamam has been finalised as chief selector,” the source told PTI.
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Though according to sources, Inzamam is the front-runner for the coveted post, there are a few major hurdles in the way that have to be overcome first. Inzamam is currently the head coach of the Afghanistan cricket team for which he earns a monthly salary of US$ 12,000.
“Obviously, the Board will have to match that amount if it ropes him in. But so far nothing is final and the only thing confirmed is that Inzamam has shown interest in the job,” the source said.
Rashid Latif, who has turned down the post of the chief selector in the past, is apparently not too keen on it this time either. The source has reportedly added that former Test opener Mohsin Khan and former spinner Iqbal Qasim are also being considered for the post.
The PCB has been looking for a new chief selector since the previous committee was dissolved after Pakistan's poor performance in the World T20 2016. This also led to the eventual resignation of head coach Waqar Younis and the retirement of skipper Shahid Afridi.
Former Pakistani great Mohammad Yousuf has also expressed a desire to work under Inzamam or Rashid should either of them be chosen for the post of the chief selector.
“I think they are both ideal choices for this post as we need those people in the chain of command who have played modern day cricket and understand the importance of promoting and grooming new talent,” Yousuf said.