Zia attempted to resign last October

Zia, a retired general, has been in the job since December 1999, after a military coup put President Musharraf in power.

"Four years is a long period for which I was in charge. I have other things to do in my life," Zia said.

He denied the move had anything to do with a row over television rights that prompted fury from fans unable to watch Pakistan's match on Saturday.

For the first time since 1967 a Pakistan home game was not aired after Zia awarded coverage rights to a Dubai-based private channel.

"I had tendered my resignation on 23 November and the television row surfaced only on the morning of the match [29 November]," Zia said.

He did admit, however, that a row over his own son's selection for the national team had forced his hand.

All-rounder Junaid Zia was selected for the current series, and then dropped at his own request.

"My son is sensitive and he was also under tremendous pressure. Now it's his luck whether he plays international cricket or not," he added.

Zia tendered his resignation in October last year when Pakistan were dismissed by Australia for their lowest-ever total, but Musharraf asked him to stay on.

Candidates for the post include former chief executive Arif Abbasi or the current PCB chief executive Ramiz Raja.