Re: Nasim Ashraf resigns
National selection committee tenders resignation
Cricinfo staff
March 20, 2007
The going is about to get a little tougher for Nasim Ashraf © AFP
Taking a lead from Nasim Ashraf, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, the national selection committee too has tendered its resignation. The resignation was formally submitted by Wasim Bari, the chairman of selectors, on behalf of the entire committee. Bari reportedly stated that the committee’s tenure was up to the World Cup and that it shared responsibility for Pakistan’s dismal performance.
Ashraf offered his resignation as chairman of the PCB, sources close to him have told Cricinfo. The source said that he handed in the resignation letter to the president of Pakistan, who is also the Patron of the PCB, late on Monday.
He added that the chairman had accepted his responsibility for the World Cup debacle. He had only been at the helm for five months, having taken over from Shaharyar Khan who resigned in October.
The chairman, the source continued, cited building pressure on him after Pakistan’s shock elimination from the tournament following a disastrous defeat to Ireland, a loss which has sparked outrage in the country. The loss resulted in Inzamam-ul-Haq’s retirement from ODIs and resignation from the Test captaincy.
The news adds yet another twist to what has become a ghastly few months for Pakistan and in particular a tragic few days, following the death of coach Bob Woolmer on Sunday.
Cricinfo was unable to make contact with any PCB officials, although the source added any final decision will only be confirmed on Tuesday.
Ashraf himself was uncontactable by phone.
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