FORMER PAKISRTAN CAPTAIN Rashid Latif has resigned from his coaching position with the national cricket team after being asked to clarify comments made in the aftermath of the spot-fixing controversy which currently surrounds the team.

Latif appeared on a Pakistani talk show recently where he criticised the Pakistani Cricket Board, in particular chairman Ijaz Butt,  for their handling of the scandal.

“I have sent my resignation today to the board which did not like my speaking on this important issue as I am employed with them in the academy,” Latif, who played 37 tests and 166 one-day internationals for his country, told Reuters.

“I would like to make it clear here that while it is an honour to serve Pakistan cricket in any position I can’t remain quiet on a key cricket issue that could determine the future of Pakistan cricket.

“As a former player and captain, people look up to me and expect me to speak honestly and without bias and that I have done without meaning anything personal against anyone.”

Additionally, Latif also questioned the motives of Mazher Mahmood, the chief investigative reporter with the News Of The World who was behind the ‘sting’ operation in a column for Pakistani newspaper Dawn.

The three cricketers accused of throwing no balls intentionally during the test match against England returned home to Pakistan last week, but Mohammad Asif, Salman Butt and Mohammad Amir all say they will return to the UK if required to do so by police.