Former Pakistan all-rounder Abdul Razzaq has addressed his removal from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) selection committee. This decision came in response to Pakistan’s underwhelming performance in the recently concluded ICC T20 World Cup 2024, where the team was eliminated during the group stage. Razzaq’s removal is part of a broader restructuring effort by the PCB aimed at revitalizing Pakistan cricket following the disappointing tournament.
Pakistan’s disappointing T20 World Cup 2024 campaign
Pakistan, under the leadership of Babar Azam, faced significant challenges during their T20 World Cup campaign. The team had a tough start, suffering losses against the United States of America (USA) and India in their opening matches. Despite later securing victories against Ireland and Canada, these wins were insufficient to advance Pakistan to the Super 8s. Consequently, Pakistan faced an early exit from the tournament, which was held across the West Indies and the USA. This early elimination has sparked widespread criticism and calls for changes within the team’s management and strategy.
PCB’s restructuring efforts and Abdul Razzaq’s response
In the wake of the team’s disappointing performance, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi spearheaded significant changes within Pakistan’s cricket setup. As part of these restructuring efforts, both Wahab Riaz and Razzaq were removed from their positions on the selection committee. This decision was seen as a move to bring in fresh perspectives and reinvigorate the selection process.
Now, Razzaq responded to his removal on the social media platform ‘X’ (formerly known as Twitter), expressing his frustration and disappointment. He emphasized that the decisions regarding Pakistan’s team selection for the T20 World Cup were made collectively by the seven-member selection committee. Razzaq questioned how one individual’s vote could be held solely responsible for the team’s performance, highlighting the collaborative nature of the selection process and suggesting that the blame should not be placed on a single person.
“If all were given equal power, how can one vote overpower the other 6 in the selection committee ??” Razzaq posted.
If all were given equal power how can one vote overpower the other 6 in the selection committee ??
— Abdul Razzaq (@ARazzaqPak) July 10, 2024