Why Inzamam stepped down as Pakistan Chief Selector amid World Cup 2023?

Pakistan cricket is at the heart of the attention again amid the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023, and as in most cases, it is again for all the wrong reasons.

On Monday (October 30), PCB chief selector and former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq stepped down from his post.

The former Pakistan player was responsible for the team selection for the World Cup 2023 and after Pakistan's dismal performance so far, he decided to hand his resignation letter to the PCB chief Zaka Ashraf.

Although it may seem Inzamam resigned from his role after taking responsibility for Pakistan's performance, there is more to the decision.

Why Inzamam-ul-Haq resigned as PCB chief selector?

Inzamam-ul-Haq was being ravaged by the Pakistani media for his conflict of interest as a PCB chief selector.

Inzamam owns a share in a company named "Yazo International Limited," a company owned by agent Talha Rehmani, who represents many Pakistani cricketers.

Pakistan captain Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi are among the list of Rehmani's top-profile cricketer clients. And to make matters more complicated, Rizwan himself co-owns the company.

What Conflict Role Inzamam played?

Inzamam may have already played a huge role which goes beyond the conflict of interest issue.

The former Pakistan captain mediated between the players and the PCB during their internal turmoil just before the World Cup.

It was revealed that Pakistan players and PCB were at odds with financial disagreements. Pakistani players were unwilling to take part in any commercial programmes before the World Cup and demanded a share of the revenue from PCB which they receive from ICC.

Amid the turmoil, Inzamam stepped in and managed to resolve the situation. The then PCB chief selector pledged to resolve the demands within 48 hours and the players demands were also accepted by the Pakistan Cricket Board.

As Inzamam's contract controversy came to light along with the conflicts of interest, his position at the PCB helm was already in question.

PCB launched an investigation against Inzamam

PCB announced of launching an enquiry against Inzamam to investigate the alleged conflicts of interest.

"Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has set up a five-member fact-finding committee to investigate allegations in respect of conflict of interest reported in the media pertaining to the team selection process," the apex body of Pakistan Cricket announced on Monday.

And within hours, Inzamam decided to leave his role, by sending his resignation to Zaka Ashraf.