Latif turns down Pakistan selector's role

Rashid Latif, the former Pakistan captain, has refused to take up the role of chief selector offered by PCB chairman Najam Sethi. Latif was named head of the national selection committee in February, and his tenure was scheduled to start on April 1. Latif, though, has refused to sign the contract.

"I refuse PCB officially," he said, in a statement issued to the media. "No hard feelings for both parties. I don't want to get into controversy and I hope Pakistan cricket will flourish under the chairman and board. I will not make any further statement. There has been too much [speculation] in the media and I would like to break my silence and announce that I will not join PCB as chief selector."

Pakistan haven't had an official selection committee since the announcement of the World T20 squad. Latif's appointment was ostensibly meant to bring stability to the committee, but he never committed to taking up the role. Apart from the chief selector's role, Latif has also pulled out from the additional responsibility of assisting the board in imparting training and conducting lectures on anti-corruption matters.

Latif hasn't given a clear reason for backing out, but there are various factors that may have played a role, prominent among which are the present circumstances of the board under Sethi.

Since the ouster of Zaka Ashraf, who was removed by the Prime Minister, the PCB's administration has been in transition, with changes throughout the PCB hierarchy and new heads replacing those appointed by Ashraf. Ashraf's administration had appointed Aamer Sohail head of the selection panel, before Sethi stepped in and removed him.

Latif played 37 Tests and 166 ODIs in a career that spanned 11 years, captaining Pakistan in 6 Tests and 25 ODIs. He last played in 2003 and since then has focused on running his cricket academy in Karachi. He is currently working as a government graded officer - as sports head of Port Qasim Authority, which also runs a first-class team. According to the PCB, Latif had to join them on deputation from his parent department. Having refused the PCB's offer, Latif will countinue working with PQA.