Mohammad Hafeez’s removal as Pakistan’s Team Director has sparked controversy, with former captain Inzamam-ul-Haq criticizing the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for unfairly targeting former players.
Hafeez was dismissed last month following Pakistan’s poor performances in the T20 International series against New Zealand and the Test series in Australia. However, Inzamam questioned why Wahab Riaz, the chief selector, was not held accountable for the team’s failures.
“Can someone explain the reasoning behind removing Muhammad Hafeez as team director but retaining Wahab Riaz as chief selector after the Australian and New Zealand tours?” Inzamam said on a TV show. “Weren’t both appointed at the same time and given the same responsibilities?”
Inzamam also urged the PCB to show more respect to former players. He recalled an incident during his tenure as chief selector when he was allegedly disrespected by former PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf.
“The PCB Chairman no doubt is a highly respectable position, but don’t former captains and stalwarts deserve the same amount of respect from the top board officials?” Inzamam said.
Inzamam also criticized the PCB for not releasing the findings of the inquiry committee that investigated his alleged conflict of interest.
“Pakistan cricket cannot be run in this manner,” he said. “It is time the board officials also accepted responsibility for their actions.”
Inzamam added that he had never wanted to take over as chief selector before the Asia Cup last year, as the previous selection committee had already picked the squad.
