Ending days of speculation, retired diplomat Sharyar Khan was appointed as the new Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board on Tuesday in Islamabad.

A former Ambassador and Foreign Secretary, Khan was appointed to the post by president Gen Pervez Musharraf, who is also the Patron of PCB.

Khan replaces retired Gen. Tauqir Zia who quit his post two weeks ago citing personal reasons. Ever since Zia's resignation, speculation was rife over whether the President would appoint an army officer or a former cricketer to the coveted post.

But neither seemed to have found favour with Musharraf as was evident in his selection of the non-controversial diplomat.

Khan has had a long association with the PCB in different capacities. Besides the advantage of having extensive contacts abroad, Khan was also the manager of the Pakistan cricket team during its crucial tour of India in 1999 and later during this year's World Cup.

Khan's appointment comes ahead of the Indian cricket team's historic tour of Pakistan in February next year.

The Pakistan team is currently gearing up for its tour of New Zealand later this month. Pakistan are scheduled to play two Tests and five one day internationals in New Zealand.

PCB officials described the appointment of Khan as an attempt by Gen. Musharraf to continue the policies pursued by Zia.

Khan was expected to retain the basic cricket set-up which included the recent  appointments of top retired cricketers to various key posts.

Zia had appointed former batsman Ramiz Raja as Managing Director of the PCB and picked another retired cricketer Aamir Sohail as Chief Selector, besides naming legendary batsman Javed Miandad as coach of the team.

These appointments are not likely to be affected, PCB officials said.

Khan was also expected to carry forward the rebuilding process of the team, they said.