PCB support for Inzamam on nepotism debate

MUMBAI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has extended full support to former captain and chief selector Inzamam-ul-haq after he was accused of nepotism by the national media for pushing his son Ibtasam-ul-haq’s selection in the under-19 cricket team.

According to Espncricinfo, Inzamam had requested a meeting with the new chairman of PCB, Ehsan Mani after allegations of nepotism were levelled against him. The PCB is understood to have given him full assurance of their trust and support, ending the uncertainty over his role in the selection controversy, the report said.

The Pakistani batting great was accused by the media of abusing his position, and in retaliation, an angered Inzamam released a video saying he would resign if the accusations were proven true. He also denied any such involvement.

Inzamam also challenged the person responsible for starting the controversy that he should do the same (resign) if he fails to prove his claims. The report added that Inzamam was also contemplating legal options.

It is believed that the story started doing the rounds after an off-record chat between former cricketer Abdul Qadir and a Pakistani journalist. The journalist had claimed that Qadir said that Pakistan under-19 chief selector Basit Ali had received a phone call from Inzamam asking for his son’s inclusion.

After the story came out, Qadir stood by his version but Basit denied having any such conversation with anyone.

Inzamam also took to Twitter on September 12 and wrote, “I strongly refute this unfounded and malicious claim. For the record, no one from junior selection committee was approached and there is no truth in this. I am taking this matter quite seriously and will be meeting PCB chairman for an open inquiry on this matter tomorrow.”

Inzamam had faced similar questions when his nephew Imam-ul-haq was named in the Pakistani team.

But Imam’s fine run in the international circuit has quelled any such blames.

FORMER CAPTAIN AND CHIEF SELECTOR FACED MEDIA SCRUTINY AFTER HIS SON IBTASAM WAS SELECTED IN THE UNDER19 TEAM