Ashraf's resignation rejected

Nasim Ashraf has been asked to stay on board © AFP Enlarge

Pervez Musharraf, the Pakistan president, has rejected the resignation of Nasim Ashraf, the PCB chairman, who offered to leave his role following Pakistan's early elimination from the World Cup.

Ashraf had only been at the helm for five months, after taking over from Shaharyar Khan who stood down in October. "President Pervez Musharraf rejected the resignation of Nasim Ashraf today," said Aamir Bilal, a PCB media advisor, "and directed him to continue his duty to rebuild the Pakistan cricket team on modern and professional lines."

Ashraf thanked the president for showing confidence in him and said: "I will continue to endeavour my best for the development and progress of cricket in Pakistan." Ashraf also expressed deep gratitude to all cricket lovers, the general public and well-wishers for their continued support over the last week.

He added: "I promise a revamp a transparent cricket set-up and will implement short and long term action plans immediately. They will be shared with the public through the media in a press conference to be held at Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday afternoon."

However, despite Ashraf's retention Pakistan cricket remains in a major state of flux. They still need to appoint a new captain and coach to replace Inzamam-ul-Haq and Bob Woolmer, while the selection committee also resigned following the team's poor showing in the Caribbean.