Pakistan Cricket Board removes Iqbal Qasim as national selector

Karachi, May 3: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has removed its selector Iqbal Qasim with immediate effect, sources said here on Wednesday. The former Test spinner was shown the door for speaking against certain policies of the board. Iqbal was, however, not given an opportunity in the shape of show cause notice to explain whether the comments attributed to him were correct or he has been quoted out of context.

"I was questioned about the match-fixing report and my answer was 'it is upto the ICC and the PCB to decide how they tackle it'. Anything appearing other than that is misreporting," Iqbal, who played 50 Tests for Pakistan, said from Quetta.

He was referring to his appearance in the Meet the Press programme at Hyderabad where he faced a barrage of questions on the day-to-day working of the PCB and several decisions taken by the board, including the proposal of disbanding the departments and delay in publicizing the judicial commission report of match-fixing.

"I was not satisfied before nor I am happy now," he had said. Iqbal Qasim is in Quetta conducting trials to pick probables for Pakistan Under-15 training camp to be held later this month. The Pakistan Under-15 team will take part in the Under-15 World Cup in England. Iqbal is the chief selector of the junior selection committee.

Sources said the termination letter was drafted at the National Stadium on Wednesday and delivered through courier service. But Iqbal Qasim said he has not received any letter.

"If the board has sacked me, its their decision. They are authorised to take decisions they like," he said, adding: "I have no regrets because I tried to do the job to the best of my ability keeping in mind the policies and interests of the board."

The board also took exception to Iqbal Qasim's reported remarks on reducing the departments participation in the domestic circuit.

"What I said that departments support and encourage the players and deserve recognition at the domestic front by giving opportunity to play tournament.

"I am also the vice-president of National Bank and head of the sports division. I think I have some responsibilities towards my parents organization as well," Iqbal said.