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Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) chief Shafiq Stanikzai has put to rest all speculation regarding Inzamam-ul-Haq’s future as their national team coach by announcing that his board is ready to release him if he’s required by Pakistan.
The former batsman has been tipped to take charge as the Pakistan chief selector, however, there has been no indication from Inzamam himself.
"Today Shaharyar Khan called me and asked a favour to release Inzamam-ul-Haq as they are keen to hire him," Stanikzai said while talking to ESPNCricinfo.
The developments follow former Pakistan coach Waqar Younis’ argument in favour of Inzamam.
“Hearing Inzamam coming as chief selector. V good news. Glad PCB now listening to my 2015 recommendations. #BetterLateThanNever,” Waqar tweeted.
Inzamam joined the Afghanistan team as head-coach for their tour to Zimbabwe in 2015.
The Multan-born cricketer got a contract extension after his team’s ODI and T20 series triumph against the full member Zimbabwe side.
Under Inzamam, Afghanistan recorded their famous win against West Indies at the recently concluded World T20.
The ACB chief they were willing to let go of their successful coach because Afghans were 'patriotic' people.
"Although he was in contract with us until December this year, we are patriotic people and if Pakistan needs Inzamam for their own country, we are ready to release him,” he said.
“We are looking at the contract right now with all the terms and conditions but we are not going to drag this and rather finish this on good and high note."
Before the Afghanistan job, Inzamam’s last coaching stint at the international level was as Pakistan’s batting consultant in 2012-13.
