Misbahul Haq quits as chief selector of Pakistan team

Former Pakistan captain Misbahul Haq has resigned from his post of Chief Selector, Business Recorder learned on Wednesday.

The 46-year-old was under a lot of pressure for his dual role of chief selector and head coach of the national team, following defeat against England on an away tour.

Back in September 2019, a five-member panel, who interviewed seven candidates, gave a unanimous decision in favour of Misbah for the dual role – first time in Pakistan cricket.

He made his decision public in a presser on Wednesday.

“I have decided to relinquish the role of chief selector as there are some important tours coming up which will make it difficult for me to focus on domestic cricket and team selections,” said Misbah.

Misbah added that he will announce squads for home series against Zimbabwe and New Zealand tour as he will official work as chief selector till November 30.

Commenting on his decision, Misbah-ul-Haq said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed the dual roles but after reviewing the past 12 months and looking ahead at the workload in the next 24 months of my tenure, it is appropriate that I invest and dedicate all my time, energy and attention to one role from now on.

“Coaching is my passion and my ultimate objective remains to contribute to the development of players and help the side achieve bigger successes. When I was appointed last year, I was offered the coaching role first and then given the option to also head the selection committee, which I had graciously accepted.

“I am grateful to the Pakistan Cricket Board for their understanding and for supporting my thought process.

“I had been thinking about the demands and rigours of the dual roles for some time. The meetings with the National High Performance staff and the Cricket Association coaches in the past two weeks have provided me better clarity and helped me in my decision-making as I believe we now have a strong system in place.

“With the new Cricket Association system in full flow, the chief selector has to be able to watch as much domestic cricket as possible. With a big 24 months now coming up, we have mutually agreed that there is a need for me now to be fully focused on one role.

“I look forward to a strong working relationship with the new chair of the selection committee and hope together we will achieve our collective objectives.”

In August, it was reported that Misbah would be replaced as chief selector, however at that time Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had rubbished reports circulating in the media.