Who will be interim chief selector for Australia test series?

Former Test coach Tauseef Ahmed is likely to take up the role of interim chief selector for Australia’s upcoming Test series, taking over after the recent resignation of Inzamam-ul-Haq, which came amid allegations of conflict of interest.

The PCB is considering an interim appointment to fill the chief selector’s vacancy and Tauseef, a member of the selection committee, appears to be the frontrunner for the role.

His interim stint is expected to include Pakistan’s three-match Test series in Australia, scheduled for December-January.

Inzamam’s decision to quit was prompted by allegations of his association with a UK-based players’ agency, which subsequently led the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to launch an investigation.

A five-member inquiry committee has been set up to look into Inzamam’s relationship with the aforementioned players’ agency. This committee is expected to present its findings to PCB Management Committee Chairman Zaka Ashraf by November 6.

“Any emergency could [also arise during the ongoing ICC World Cup in India, regarding the players’ selection, plus the national Test team for the tour of Australia is to be selected after a short while. A responsible individual should be at the helm to monitor the situation in order to pick the best team for the Aus­tralia tour. Keeping this entire scenario in view, the PCB is likely to assign the duty [of chief selector] to Tauseef on a temporary basis,” PCB sources said.

“The committee investigating the allegations of conflict of interest against Inzamam has not been able to complete its work. The report of the committee was to be submitted to the PCB chairman on Monday but neither the report could be finalized nor the chairman was in Lahore on Monday,” sources further added.

On the other hand, PCB Media Director Aalia Rasheed is of the opinion that the board is yet to accept Inzamam-ul-Haq’s resignation.

Inzamam’s resignation was unnecessary when the conflict of interest assessment committee was set up, as he could continue in his role until the committee completes its report. During this period, the chief selector’s duties could have been transferred to any other selector, such as former Test cricketer Taseef Ahmed.