Zaheer was one of the finest batsmen in Pakistan's history

Zaheer was in charge on the tour to England which saw Pakistan lose the final Test at The Oval by forfeit.

It also led to captain Inzamam-ul-Haq being charged with bringing the game into disrepute and ball-tampering.

PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan said Zaheer was being "rested" as he would be a key witness at Inzamam's disciplinary hearing on 27-28 September.

But he insisted: "The decision is in no way an indictment or verdict on Zaheer's ability or performance as manager."

Talat Ali has been appointed as manager for the ICC Champions Trophy in India, which starts next month, and is seen as more of a disciplinarian.

But former national team captain Javed Miandad believes the switch is a slap in the face for Zaheer, who he claims has been "humiliated" by the board.

The 59-year-old, who scored more than 5,000 runs in 78 Tests in the 1970s and 80s, was only appointed as manager in March.

"He didn't deserve to go this way. The board is giving out the message that he is responsible for what happened at the Oval Test," said Miandad.

"This is not the way to treat a great. If the PCB feels The Oval incident should not have occurred, then the board officials that were there at the time are equally responsible and should have resigned."

The row at The Oval began when umpires Darrell Hair and Billy Doctrove awarded five penalty runs to England during the fourth day's play after deciding that Pakistan had tampered with the ball.

The Pakistan team initially refused to return to the middle after tea in protest at the decision and the umpires responded by declaring the game over and awarding it to England, who thereby won the series 3-0.

Charges were subsequently laid against Inzamam because as captain, he is deemed responsible for the actions of his players.