Former Pakistan Test captain Azhar Ali has resigned from his positions as a national selector and head of youth development at the Pakistan National Cricket Academy. Sources indicate that his resignation was submitted to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) earlier this week and has been accepted. The decision follows the appointment of Sarfaraz Ahmed, also a former Pakistan captain, to oversee the Pakistan Shaheens and Under-19 teams.

According to sources, Azhar Ali felt that handing Sarfaraz Ahmed control of the Shaheens and U-19 teams effectively diminished his responsibilities as head of youth development, leading to his decision to resign. Sarfaraz Ahmed, who has previously served the PCB as a mentor and advisor, was recently given the authority to manage all aspects of these teams, including coaching performance, selection processes, training camps, and team travel.

Azhar Ali, who played in 97 Test matches, took on the roles of selector and youth development head last year. However, a source close to Ali revealed that he had become increasingly frustrated with the operational style within the board. The source, quoted by PTI, stated that Azhar was irritated by the "red-tape style of working" and the lack of progress on his proposals for developing young cricketers at the academy. He was also reportedly unhappy that the decision to give Sarfaraz Ahmed responsibility for the Shaheens and Under-19 teams was made without consulting him.

The source further explained that Azhar Ali believed Sarfaraz Ahmed's appointment undermined his role, as a significant portion of his duties as head of youth development were seemingly transferred without his consent. This perceived lack of consultation and the impact on his responsibilities ultimately led to his resignation.

The PCB has not made any official public statement regarding Azhar Ali's resignation.

This incident adds to a growing trend of former players and coaches, including international staff, leaving their positions prematurely within the PCB in recent years. Most recently, the PCB chose not to renew Mohammad Wasim's contract as head coach of the women's team after their poor performance at the World Cup.