The chaos in Pakistan cricket continues as a few weeks after Babar Azam-led side’s exit from T20 World Cup 2024, Wahab Riaz and Abdul Razzaq got sacked as selectors by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
The news comes as a shock as Razzaq was appointed in the selection committee for both men's and women's team a few weeks ago. Riaz who was removed as chief selection a few months ago was one of the seven selectors of the committee. The left-arm pacer who was considered close to PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi ran out of favours soon after Pakistan’s dismal show in the Americas.
Seven-member committee set to be dissolved?
As per ESPNCricinfo, the sacking is expected to be made official later this week. Meanwhile, a new selection committe is likely to be formed and will have a chief selector. However, it is unlikely that as many as seven selectors will be part of the community. Earlier, all seven members of the committee had an equal vote but it is unlikely to happen once the new committee is constituted.
The other five members of the selection committee are - head coach Gary Kirsten, Babar Azam, Mohammad Yousuf, Asad Shafiq and Bilal Afzal.
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PCB chief selectors in last few years
With yet another sacking, the musical chairs in PCB continues. PCB has had six chief selectors in the last four years including Riaz. The other five are Haroon Rashid, Shahid Afridi, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Wasim and Misbah-ul-Haq. All of them were not given the long rope to restructure.
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Riaz, Razzaq busy playing in World Championship of Legends
Riaz and Razzaq are representing Pakistan Champions in the tournament. Razzaq scored an unbeaten 15-ball 25 against South Africa Champions whereas Riaz failed to pick up a wicket and conceded 31 runs from 2.3 overs. South Africa Champions beat Pakistan Champions by nine wickets as they chased down target of 211 with nine balls to spare.
Pakistan men’s team’s next assignment
While it is unclear whether Babar will continue to be captain across formats, Pakistan will host Bangladesh for a two-Test series which will be crucial for their chances to remain alive in World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25.
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