Pakistan's embattled chief selector Moin Khan, under investigation by the cricket board for visiting a casino in New Zealand, has been immediatedly summoned back to the country by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to clarify his position.

The PCB launched an official investigation into reports that Moin visited a casino shortly before the team's calamitous World Cup defeat to the West Indies.

“There are widespread allegations into the conduct of the chief selector having brought the image of Pakistan and PCB into disrepute,” the Pakistan Cricket Board said in a statement on Tuesday.

PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan spoke with the chief selector and other members of team management by telephone on Tuesday, before ordering Moin to return home.

“He's (Moin) been recalled immediately so that he can explain his position himself, and by which time we will also have a full picture,” Shaharyar said in Lahore.

Shaharyar said Moin acknowledged he went to the casino with his wife, and had dinner with their friend.

“When I told Moin there are lots of allegations against you, and even members of the Upper House discussed it in parliament today, he told me that all the accusations are wrong,” Shaharyar said.

“He was also disappointed. But he told me he went there to have dinner, and didn't do anything else.”

Manager Naveed Akram Cheema will take over as chief selector of the tour selection committee, including coach Waqar Younis and captain Misbah-ul-Haq.

It emerged today that ex-chairman Najam Sethi, who is now a member of the governing board, had thrown his weight behind the former wicketkeeper, while current chief Shaharyar Khan was strictly in favour of ordering Moin back to Pakistan.

Pakistan has lost its two pool games against India and the West Indies, and next plays on Sunday against Zimbabwe. Just before the start of the World Cup, there were reports that eight Pakistan players were fined for breaching a team curfew.

Timeline on Pakistan World Cup turmoil

Feb 12: Eight Pakistan players, including maverick former captain Shahid Afridi, fined for breaching a team curfew ahead of their crucial World Cup game against India. They are also warned that a repeat offence will see them kicked out of the tournament.

Feb 15: Afridi plays down being fined for breaking the curfew, claiming he and his team-mates went out to eat and not to dance the night away.

Feb 15: Pakistan lose World Cup opener to arch-rivals India by 76 runs at the Adelaide Oval. It was India's sixth win in six World Cup games against Pakistan.

Feb 18: Pakistan's campaign rocked by fresh allegations of unrest when reports claim that fielding coach Grant Luden was involved in a heated row with senior players.

Feb 21: Pakistan lose to the West Indies by 150 runs in Christchurch.

Feb 21: Pakistani fans in the south-eastern city of Multan hold a mock funeral after the record-shattering defeat at the hands of the West Indies.

Feb 24: Pakistani cricket chiefs launch investigation into reports that chief selector Moin Khan visited a casino shortly before the team's calamitous defeat by the West Indies.

Feb 24: Shehryar Khan tells reporters Moin Khan has been recalled to account for himself in person.