Photo: PCB
Karachi: The inclusion of Inzamam-ul-Haq in partnership with the agent has shocked the board, and the PCB management committee will review the issues of conflicts of interest in a meeting on Monday. The chief selector will also be asked for clarification.
According to details, a news report published in ‘Express’ a few days ago revealed that Inzamam-ul-Haq and his agent, Talha Rahmani, are shareholders in the same company. Wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan is also among the owners of this company.
This matter has surprised the Pakistan Cricket Board. Committee chairman Zakir Ashraf says that this is a serious issue that will be thoroughly investigated, and a law will be made to limit the number of players attached to an agent for the team’s return from the World Cup.
It was also revealed in ‘Express’ on Sunday that the chief selector, Inzamam-ul-Haq, will be demanded for clarification regarding the conflicts of interest. This has been confirmed by committee chairman Zakir Ashraf.
He said in a TV interview that we became aware of this issue last week, and we will discuss this matter in the meeting on Monday. The apparent conflict of interest involves 7 to 8 players and the chief selector, all affiliated with the same company. This means that the selection is being influenced from somewhere else. This is a very serious matter.
Zakir Ashraf said that we will demand an explanation from chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq on this matter. When asked about taking action if someone is found involved in conflicts of interest, he said that first we need to see what Inzamam says about it. There will be a proper investigation into this issue.
He further stated that when the team returns from the World Cup, a law will be made to ensure that no player can become an agent for one or two other players, so that no more than 6 or 7 players can be influenced by anyone in the board. The committee chairman clarified that if someone ends their affiliation with a company, we will review it. We will do what is in the best interest of the country and the team. No one is above Pakistan.