"Yes, I am hurt because of the recent events like The Oval Test and Younis Khan fiascos," Shaharyar, a former diplomat, told AFP.

"I thought this is the right time to step down and pass the responsibility to someone else. The Younis Khan episode has hurt me more than The Oval fiasco," said Shaharyar who had headed the PCB since December 2003.

Younis dramatically refused to captain the side in the Champions Trophy in India next week, after he was appointed to replace Inzamamul Haq, who was banned for four matches for bringing the game into disrepute during the Test in August.

Inzamam and his team refused to return to the field in protest over allegations of ball tampering in the Test against England.

On Thursday, Younis stunned media when he walked off from a press conference, saying he did not want to be a 'dummy' captain.

The PCB subsequently appointed batsman Mohammad Yousuf as captain.

Officials said Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf had appointed Dr Nasim Ashraf as the new chairman of the cricket board.

Meanwhile, coach Bob Woolmer hit back at speculation that the Pakistan team is on the verge of imploding on the eve of the Champions Trophy.

"Any talk of a change in captaincy is pure speculation. The chairman had an excellent meeting with Mohammad Yousuf and the players and it isn't likely that anything will change," Woolmer told www.cricinfo.com.

Woolmer, in charge since June 2004, was appointed by Shaharyar.

"He's done a wonderful job for Pakistan. Without any argument, he is the best chairman, CEO or head of board that I have worked with in my 20 years as a coach."

Woolmer also suggested that Shaharyar's age -- he is 72 -- had played a part in the decision.

"I think he handled the Inzamam affair and the Younis affair brilliantly and it is very sad to lose such a fantastic and wise counsel. I think he thought that he didn't need this sort of aggravation at this stage in his life and that is fair enough. He is a great loss to Pakistan cricket."

But Woolmer was adamant that Pakistan cricket would move forward.

"Good things are happening in Pakistan cricket despite recent events," said the coach.

"Dr Ashraf is a good man and will steer the ship on its course. I will continue to prepare the team for upcoming assignments and it is important to build on the stable platform we have created over the last two years."