Misbah-ul-Haq announces he is resigning as Pakistan’s chief selector

LAHORE: Pakistan Head Coach and erstwhile Chief Selector Misbah-ul-Haq on Wednesday announced that he was resigning from his position as chief selector to “focus on coaching”. 

During his press conference at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) headquarters in Lahore, he rubbished rumours that the decision to resign had anything to do with his meeting with Prime Minister Imran Khan.

The announcement from the former skipper came after a review of his one-year performance and in light of a newly announced code of ethics, according to a Geo News report.

He had reportedly been under extreme pressure since he was given the charge in 2019. Several former cricketers and experts had opposed the move.

Read more: PCB asks Misbah, Azhar to be careful about code of conduct in future

“It is my choice to quit the post of chief selector as it will be difficult for me to focus on both [responsibilities] due to the cricket team’s upcoming international commitments,” he said.

He refuted rumours that he was quitting because the PCB management is unhappy with him over his meeting with Prime Minister Imran Khan.

“Had this been the case, I would have been removed from both posts,” he said.

Misbah said when he was given the charge in 2019, he had conveyed to the PCB that there would be significant challenges in wearing two hats.

“They (PCB) gave me the option to decide which responsibility I would like to retain, and I opted for coaching.”

However, he clarified that he would still select the teams for the upcoming Zimbabwe and New Zealand series.

When asked to share his opinion on working as chief selector and head coach, Misbah described it as "a good experiment" but pointed out that his engagements had increased.

The new chief selector will assume his duties on December 1, he added.

‘Positive U-Turn’

Former cricketer and analyst Sikandar Bakht termed the development as "a positive U-Turn".

“It is said that wise people take u-turns and I think that although he took the decision late, he (Misbah) took the right step. We had been saying the same thing for the last one year,” he said. 

He also slammed the PCB officials who had given Misbah dual responsibilities.

Commenting on the development, cricket expert Alia Rasheed said this was the right thing to do as having two responsibilities was a challenging task. "Misbah took the correct decision," she said.

Mohammad Akram tipped to replace Misbah

Former fast bowler Mohammad Akram is likely to be appointed new chief selector in place of Misbah-ul-Haq.

According to Geo News sources, matters between Muhammad Akram and the PCB management have been finalised, however, an announcement in this regard will be made soon.

Currently, Akram is associated with Peshawar Zalmi as director and has also served as the bowling coach of the Pakistan cricket team.