PCB chief approves chief selector’s resignation

KARACHI: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) interim chairman Najam Sethi approved chief selector Iqbal Qasim's resignation on Thursday.

"Qasim has done a great service to the country. He has given a fitting farewell to the team by presiding over its selection committee prior to the West Indies tour," Sethi said in a statement.

Iqbal Qasim stepped down at the end of his tenure on Thursday, denying any rift with the national team's captain and coach.

"I have told the top officials of the PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) that I have completed my tenure so they should appoint a new panel for future selection," Qasim told AFP.

Qasim led the selection committee which on Wednesday named one-day and Twenty20 squads for this month's tour of the West Indies, dropping flopped players Shoaib Malik, Kamran Akmal and Imran Farhat, and recalling all-rounder Shahid Afridi.

Sethi confirmed that Qasim had asked to be relieved of his duties after extending his tenure from April to July.

"I wish him well and shall continue to seek his advice and guidance on cricketing matters in the future", said Sethi, now set to announce a new selection panel soon.

Local media have speculated about differences between Qasim, captain Misbah-ul Haq and coach Dav Whatmore, and Twenty20 captain Mohammad Hafeez over selection, but Qasim denied any rift.

"I had no differences with anyone," said Qasim, a former left arm spinner who played 50 Tests and 15 one-day matches for Pakistan.(AFP)