New Zealand v Pakistan - ICC Men's T20 World Cup: Semi Final
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 09: Shaheen Shah Afridi of Pakistan celebrates dismissing Finn Allen of New Zealand during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Semi Final match between New Zealand and Pakistan at Sydney Cricket Ground on November 09, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
New Zealand v Pakistan - ICC Men's T20 World Cup: Semi Final

Cricket legend Inzamam-ul-Haq has stepped down as the chief selector of Pakistan with immediate effect.

As announced by the Pakistan Cricket Board, Inzamam has tendered his resignation pending an internal investigation. However, his departure as chief selector may be temporary rather than permanent.

"I am stepping down from the post to offer the PCB the opportunity to conduct a transparent inquiry about the conflict of interest allegations raised in the media," Inzamam said after tendering his resignation.

"If the committee finds me not guilty, I will resume my role as the chief selector."

A legend of the game, Inzamam returned to the role of the nation's chief selector earlier this year ahead of the 2023 Asia Cup.

He previously worked in the position from 2016 to 2019. During this tenure, Pakistan claimed the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy - defeating India by 180 runs at The Oval in the final.

Pakistan would also win five out of nine league games at the 2019 World Cup in his tenure but they failed to make it to the knock-out stage in England and Wales.

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Presently competing at the 2023 ODI World Cup, Pakistan has had a disappointing campaign that has seen fans and critics put pressure not only on Inzamam but also on captain Babar Azam.

Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur spoke last week to the media to warn against directing blame to a specific individual.

“It's really unfair to start a witch hunt, certainly on Babar Azam, on Inzi, on our coaches, on the management team,” Arthur said.

“What I do know is the boys have tried and the effort of the coaching staff, the effort of the players has been first-class.

"If they would see the amount of effort that the players and staff put in, they would be amazed.”