Kingston (Jamaica), March 19 (IANS) After the sudden and shocking demise of Pakistan team coach Bob Woolmer late Sunday comes Inzamam-ul-Haq's announcement that he has decided to step down as captain of the team post the World Cup.
A visibly shaken Inzamam announced his decision at a press conference: "I will be retiring from one-day internationals."
Inzamam, however, said he would continue playing test cricket for some time: "I still feel I have some more cricket in me yet as far as tests go." He has made 8,813 runs in 119 Tests, with a highest score of 329.
Asked about the timing of announcement, Inzamam said he felt bad (about Woolmer's death) but he had already made up his mind.
His decision follows the team's elimination from the World Cup after losing their first game against hosts West Indies and shock defeat at the hands of Ireland.
Inzamam has played 377 one-day internationals, scored 10 centuries and 83 fifties with an average of 39.53. He was a member of the 1992 World Cup winning squad, which was led by Imran Khan.
He apologised to his team's supporters for the performance at Sabina Park on Saturday against the Irish who Pakistan were expected to defeat with ease.
"I can only say I am sorry to my people in Pakistan," he said. "We tried our best but I'm afraid the result didn't come out as we planned."
Pakistan play the last group stage match against Zimbabwe Friday; they are at the bottom of the Group B table with two defeats from as many matches.