"I apologise if my actions caused any hurt to people in Pakistan. I just went to the casino to have dinner with some friends and nothing else," Moin said.

On Tuesday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) launched an official investigation into reports that Moin had visited a casino shortly before Pakistan's loss to West Indies.

“There are widespread allegations into the conduct of the chief selector having brought the image of Pakistan and PCB into disrepute,” the Pakistan Cricket Board said in a statement on Tuesday.

PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan spoke with the chief selector and other members of team management by telephone on Tuesday, before ordering Moin to return home to clarify his position

“He's (Moin) been recalled immediately so that he can explain his position himself, and by which time we will also have a full picture,” Shaharyar said in Lahore.

Shaharyar said Moin acknowledged he went to the casino with his wife, and had dinner with their friend.

“When I told Moin there are lots of allegations against you, and even members of the Upper House discussed it in parliament today, he told me that all the accusations are wrong,” Shaharyar said.

“He was also disappointed. But he told me he went there to have dinner, and didn't do anything else.”

Pakistan has lost its two pool games against India and the West Indies, and next plays on Sunday against Zimbabwe. Just before the start of the World Cup, there were reports that eight Pakistan players were fined for breaching a team curfew.