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Inzamam responsible for informing about potential conflict of interest: PCB media head

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  • Inzamam’s resignation not accepted by PCB: Aalia Rasheed. 
  • Media head says Mohammad Rizwan not part of probe. 
  • PCB to take up India matter with ICC in future. 

The Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) of Media and Communications, Aalia Rasheed, said that Chief Selector Inzamam-ul-Haq had the responsibility to inform the cricket body about any potential conflict of interest.

“I think it was Inzamam’s responsibility to inform the PCB about any potential conflict of interest. No cricket board wants to create controversy during a World Cup and get ridiculed in the media,” said Rasheed while speaking to Geo News on Tuesday. 

Inzamam recently stepped down from his post amid the World Cup 2023 after allegations surfaced that he was a partner in a company, Yazoo International Ltd, owned by players’ agent Talha Rehmani.

This disclosure sparked concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest, given that Rehmani represents several of Pakistan’s leading cricketers, including Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

The allegations also gave rise to the question of whether Inzamam’s dual role would influence his decisions of selection of the players. Following the claims, PCB set up a five-member fact-finding committee to investigate allegations in respect of conflict of interest about the team selection process.

‘No need for Inzamam to resign’

Rasheed further said that Inzamam did not have to resign as the PCB had to take some steps and address the issue considering it was a sensitive matter. 

“I don’t understand why Inzamam resigned. He should have realised that the PCB had to take some steps to address the controversy because it was a sensitive matter. PCB took immediate action like a professional organisation and formed a fact-finding committee to assess whether there was a conflict of interest but it didn’t remove Inzamam as chief selector.

“If the players and Inzamam’s agent are the same, then there is a conflict of interest. He can also influence a lot of players. It also gives too much power to one agent.

“I had a detailed meeting with Inzamam as well and even the chairman called him for a meeting. There was no need for him to step down but he resigned instantly as soon as PCB announced the committee. However, his resignation is not accepted and Inzamam can resume working for PCB if the committee clears him.”

Rizwan not part of probe

The media head also clarified that wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan — who is also a director at the UK-based company — is not part of the investigation against Inzamam in the conflict of interest case. 

Rizwan’s dual role also raised question marks over the wicketkeeper’s future. However, he is not part of the investigation. 

“Rizwan is not involved in this matter at all because a player has a limited career and they need to invest the money they earn to be financially stable after their playing days are over. Even Inzamam would not have been questioned if he was not the chief selector,” said Aalia.

“I was a member of the committee as well but I think it was not appropriate for me to get involved in this matter since I have to face the media as well,” she added. 

Interim chief selector to be named for Australia series

Speaking about the upcoming Australia series next month, Rasheed said that one of the members of the existing selection committee, Tauseef Ahmed, Wajahatullah Wasti and Wasim Haider, will be named interim chief selector.

“Initially, we thought that the committee would submit its findings soon but that is no longer the case since the legal, audit and finance departments are also involved so it will take some time because we come to a decision,” she said.

“We have a series against Australia coming up and a team needs to be announced for that tour. So one of the members of the selection committee, which already exists, will be given this responsibility until the committee submits its recommendations. After that we will decide whether to continue with Inzamam or appoint a new selector,” she said.

Aalia also backed the work done by the chairman of the PCB Management Committee, Zaka Ashraf.

“The problem with Zaka Ashraf is that he is not a showman. He doesn’t focus too much on PR. He only focuses on his work silently. I think some of the things that he has done should be highlighted in the media because the perception of him is wrong. There are some misconceptions which need clarity,” she said.

India ‘very unwelcoming’ in World Cup

She also opened up about the visa issues faced by Pakistani fans and journalists during the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023, which has denied many the experience of watching the mega event in India.

“Even I have not got my visa till now. This is not an issue created by the Pakistan Cricket Board and even the ICC can’t do anything about it because this was entirely in the hands of the Indian government. They were very cautious and unwelcoming in a way and even sent our renowned presenter Zainab Abbas back home,” she said.

“However, bearing in mind India’s policies, the PCB will take up the matter with the ICC in the future to resolve this issue,” she added.

Babar Azam’s WhatsApp text controversy

Aalia also shed light on the controversy surrounding the press release issued by the PCB, which led many fans to think that the board threw the players under the bus, after the team’s poor performance in the World Cup.

“When the team didn’t do well, there was pressure on the chairman from all corners which revolved around making changes in the team and removing Babar Azam from captaincy. In response, that press release was issued to support the team but that doesn’t mean that board is stepping away from its responsibilities,” she said.

She also admitted that it was wrong to air a private WhatsApp chat between Pakistan skipper Babar Azam and PCB Chief Executive Officer (COO) Salman Naseer.

“I’m glad that the channel and its anchor apologised for that incident but this should not have happened especially because it affects the players. When a tournament like the World Cup is taking place, such things get multiplied and become a bigger issue than it is,” she concluded. 

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PCB questions ICC on India’s reluctance to participate in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan.

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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) dispatched a letter to the International Cricket Council (ICC). It requested clarification on India’s position for participation in the 2025 Champions Trophy, which is set to be hosted in Pakistan.

In a formal correspondence to ICC Chairman Greg Barclay, the PCB solicited information regarding the timing of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)’s notification to the ICC over its likely withdrawal from the event.

The PCB’s correspondence also seeks to ascertain whether the BCCI has provided an official, written denial to the ICC, detailing the rationale for the Indian cricket team’s possible non-participation. The PCB has requested the ICC to furnish a copy of any formal correspondence from the BCCI elucidating the reasoning behind their position. The PCB intends to meticulously examine these grounds to comprehend the rationale for the decision.

The ICC’s stance regarding India’s involvement

The PCB has urged the ICC to clarify its stance on the BCCI’s refusal to dispatch the team. The PCB requests clarification on the ICC’s intentions regarding the formal acceptance of India’s withdrawal and its implications for the tournament’s structure and schedule.

Strategy of PCB

The PCB has indicated its intention to seek legal counsel in light of the ICC’s statement, while also intending to confer with the Pakistani government to coordinate future steps. PCB authorities assert that should India officially withdraw and the ICC acquiesce to their absence, Pakistan may decline to compete against India in Champions Trophy matches held at any venue outside of Pakistan.

Sources indicate that PCB’s response strategy will be formulated following ICC’s official reply. The scenario underscores potential geopolitical tensions that may affect cricketing relations between the two countries.

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“Pakistan ought to follow Sri Lanka’s Champions Trophy strategy from the 1996 World Cup.”

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Former cricket player Basit Ali talked about India’s bid to compete in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy and recommended that the PCB use a similar approach to Sri Lanka’s World Cup 1996 strategy.

Although it is unclear if India would compete in the tournament, the ninth Champions Trophy is set to take place in Pakistan during the February–March timeframe in 2025.

The Indian media had reported that Team India will not be traveling to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy due to security concerns, citing a source from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Furthermore, sources verified on Sunday that the PCB was notified by the International Cricket Council (ICC) that the Indian government has prohibited its cricket team from traveling to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.

Basit Ali was among the numerous Pakistani players who were upset to hear of India’s rejection. The former batsman said in a video posted on his own YouTube account that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) take a cue from Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).

For those who are not familiar, Sri Lanka won the World Cup 1996, which was co-hosted by Pakistan, India, and Sri Lanka.

But because Australia and the West Indies declined to visit Sri Lanka due to security concerns, the competition was marred with controversy like to that of the Champions Trophy 2025.

While Sri Lanka promised complete security for the squad, Australia and the West Indies stuck to their guns.

Due to a firm stand on both sides, Sri Lanka was given games against Australia and the West Indies on forfeit by the International Cricket Council (ICC). Sri Lanka advanced to the quarterfinals without having to play a match after earning four crucial points.

In a similar vein, Basit Ali asked the PCB to avoid playing India at a neutral location. Additionally, he recommended that Pakistan quit the event if the ICC were to fully change it.

The former batter said, “If India declines to play in Pakistan under a hybrid model, like the 1996 World Cup scenario, PCB should demand points.” “Pakistan ought to receive two points if India chooses not to participate.”

In the event of a hybrid approach, Pakistan, as the host, ought to conduct all of its matches domestically. Additionally, Pakistan ought to decline to take part if the host location changes.

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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulates the Pakistan team for their triumph over Australia.

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Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, conveyed his sincere congratulations to the national men’s cricket team for their historic ODI series triumph against Australia.

Pakistan, led by newly-appointed captain Mohammad Rizwan, triumphed against Australia in the third ODI in Perth, securing victory by eight wickets and clinching their first series in Australia since 2002.

The visitors lost the initial match of the three-match series by two wickets; however, they executed a remarkable comeback to secure the series 2-1.

Subsequent to the victory, Shehbaz Sharif utilized his official X (previously Twitter) account to commend the national cricket team for their commanding performance.

“Significant Day for Pakistani Cricket.” Congratulations to the Pakistan cricket team on their momentous ODI series triumph over Australia. The Prime Minister declared, “After 22 years, Pakistan has convincingly defeated Australia on their home turf.”

He commended the leadership of Mohsin Naqvi, the head of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

This triumph resulted from the solidarity and collaboration of their exceptional players, alongside the efforts of the coaching staff and the PCB under the competent leadership of Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. He expressed, “May this mark the commencement of a remarkable and illustrious era for Pakistani Cricket.”

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