Confusion surrounds Inzamam’s Test career

The widely circulated Jang said the board had agreed to pay 10 million rupees to Inzamam after he agreed to retire from all cricket and this was decided in a meeting the batsman had with board Chairman, Dr Nasim Ashraf during a recent visit to Karachi.

Even sources close to Inzamam said there was some truth in these reports but when contacted the former captain declined to make any comments on the subject.

The PCB media advisor, Aamir Bilal in a statement vehemently denied the board having reached any deal with Inzamam.

But in the same breath he created some confusion by saying that any policy decision on Inzamam would be made and announced in next two or three days keeping in mind the larger interests of Pakistan cricket.

“The news about the PCB assuring and guaranteeing Inzamam 10 million on his retirement from test cricket is absolutely incorrect,” the statement said.

“The PCB Chairman, however, has clearly stated that any policy decision regarding Inzamam will be announced in next two to three days and it would be in the larger interest of Pakistan’s cricket future,” it said.

The statement is an indication that the board might be having second thoughts on forcing the former captain to retire so soon from test cricket.

One newspaper, Daily Express reported that Inzamam had no intentions to retire and would continue to play Test cricket.

Inzamam had retired from ODI cricket after his team’s World Cup debacle but wanted to continue his Test career.

He joined the unofficial Indian Cricket League along with three other Pakistani players, Mohammad Yousuf, Abdul Razzaq and Imran Farhat. Though PCB took Mohammad Yousuf back into its fold after initial crackdown on players, but Inzamam’s case was not considered.

Inzamam was also unhappy at the way he was ignored by the selectors and not given a central contract by the board.

The 37-year old who has appeared in 119 Tests and 378 ODIs for his country was asked by the selectors about his availability for the first Test against South Africa but turned down the invitation on personal grounds.