In the wake of Pakistan’s early exit from the T20 World Cup 2024, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has taken significant steps to overhaul its management and selection committee. Sources have revealed that star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi has been found misbehaving with coaches and management staff, raising concerns about discipline within the team.
A probe is currently underway to understand why team managers did not take action against Afridi despite his misconduct. The investigation’s findings have led to the dismissal of key figures within the PCB, including former selection committee members Wahab Riaz and Abdul Razzaq.
Razzaq, who served on both the men’s and women’s selection committees, and Wahab, who was a prominent face in the men’s selection panel even after being removed as panel chief earlier this year, were both notified that their services were no longer required. The decision to oust them came after an investigation revealed that they had extended undue favors to certain players, which negatively impacted team performance.
Additionally, the PCB has removed team manager Mansoor Rana from his position. The board’s chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, made these changes following a thorough review of the investigation’s results. The probe highlighted that the players supported by Wahab and Razzaq were underperforming and faced opposition from other selection committee members.
Furthermore, the PCB is scrutinizing players with influential lobbies and the advantages they have gained. Coaches have complained to the PCB chairman about players’ non-serious attitudes and disciplinary breaches during recent tours. These complaints included issues such as players speaking against each other and the negative impact of players’ families on their focus and performance.
Wahab Riaz Denies Pressurizing Selection Committee
Reacting to his removal, Wahab Riaz has dismissed reports that he pressured the selection committee. In a post on his social media account, Wahab stated, “I don’t agree with the statements being discussed about adding pressure to the members of the selection committee.” He questioned how one vote could dominate six others, emphasizing that all decisions were documented in the minutes of the meetings.
Wahab announced that he would issue a formal statement later in the evening to address these allegations in detail.
Despite the management shake-up, the PCB has retained Mohammad Yousuf, Asad Shafiq, and Bilal Afzal on the selection panel, which also includes the team’s captain and head coach. Sources indicate that a senior official had advised Wahab to accept responsibility for the team’s selection and resign, but he was ultimately sacked after refusing to step down.
The PCB’s decisive actions signal a major overhaul aimed at improving team discipline and performance following a disappointing World Cup campaign.
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