Pakistan’s cricket board removed Wahab Riaz, a former fast bowler, from his role on the selection committee after the national team’s early exit from the T20 World Cup 2024. Pakistan failed to advance past the group stage, which included newcomers USA and Canada. The team lost matches against India and the USA prompting PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi to tell reporters he needed to overhaul Pakistan’s cricket system. This overhaul seems to have started with the dismissal of Riaz and Abdul Razzaq from their positions.
Following the incident, Wahab Riaz shared his thoughts on Twitter. He mentioned he had many things to say but chose not to start pointing fingers. “My stint as part of the PCB selection committee has ended. I want my supporters to know I’ve given my all to the game I cherish, with honesty and dedication always aiming to make Pakistan cricket better,” Wahab Riaz posted on Twitter.
“Being part of the selection panel has been a privilege. To make group choices as one of the seven people picking the national team was special – each person’s vote mattered the same, we chose players together & shared the duty of that process . I’m grateful I got to play my role in that,” he added further.
Both Riaz and Razzaq were part of the seven-member selection panel that chose the squad for the high-profile competition. However, a PCB investigation has reportedly uncovered discrepancies in a number of selections made by the committee. It is also understood that the source also relates to the input that has been provided by the various members of the touring party, including the manager, coach and potentially even skipper Babar Azam.
There has apparently been a change at the top once again within the PCB, with another removal. The PCB has now had six chief selectors in the last four years, including Riaz.
“It’s also an honour to support Gary Kirsten & the coaching group as they set their vision for this team. I am confident that the team and the plans the coaches have put together will ensure this team continues to grow into a dominant force as we move forward and I wish them the best of luck on that journey. I am grateful for the people who have prayed for me. I wish nothing but success for the future of the Pakistan cricket team,” Riaz concluded his message to the cricket fans in Pakistan.
