Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has removed newly appointed Balochistan head coach Faisal Iqbal over a pending inquiry against him in Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) for allegedly submitting a fake matric certificate in 2003.

The start of new domestic season is a week away, PCB said that “The decision was taken after Iqbal admitted that the PIA was ‘looking into a matter’ regarding his employment. “

He is purportedly one of three cricketers on PIA’s books who have also been issued show-cause notices.

“It would be unfair on Faisal Iqbal as well on his side and the tournament if he competed in a major domestic tournament until he had resolved and settled the matter with his parent organization,” PCB explained, adding that Iqbal could reclaim the position upon being cleared by the PIA.

In the meantime, Balochistan’s assistant coach Wasim Haider has been elevated to the interim head coach position, the Board added.