Ijaz Butt asked Waqar Younis to announce resignation in front of media to avoid controversy

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Subhan Ahmed, has revealed that Chairman, Ijaz Butt, wanted Waqar Younis to announce his resignation in media to avoid misconceptions.

"The reason we told him to announce his resignation at a press conference was to clear the situation and dispel any impressions there might be other reasons for his resignation," Subhan said.

Yesterday, Pakistan cricket team’s head coach, Younis, stepped down from his charge by claiming that he is not fit enough to continue the responsibility.

On the other hand, following the lot of controversies in Pakistan’s cricket, it is generally perceived that the former fast bowler, Younis decided to quit the ranks courtesy to confrontation with the cricket board; however, PCB’s COO, Subhan denied all the speculations in this regard.

Subhan also appreciated the services of the 39-year-old and said that he had always been outstanding with his responsibility.

The COO cited that PCB wanted him to leave the charge after the upcoming tour of Zimbabwe, and he agreed to do so.

"We understand his position and we are really thankful to him that he agreed to continue for the Zimbabwe tour. We would have liked him to continue as coach and fulfill his contract but he has his personal reasons for the decision," he added.  

He also claimed that Younis was not able to join recently concluded fast track camp because of his health issues.

While talking about the appointment of the new coach, Subhan asserted that the decision will be made after considering certain parameters for the better interest of the team.

"We have two month's time before Pakistan plays Sri Lanka in UAE and we will soon sit down and discuss all possibilities and look at the best available candidates," the COO continued.

He also clarified that the recent changes in the PCB’s management were not made because of the former captain Shahid Afridi.

Subhan said that former manager, Intikhab Alam, and bowling coach, Aaqib Javed can help the PCB to groom the youngsters at the national cricket academy in Lahore, therefore, they decided to change their responsibilities.