In a big turn of event, former star pacer Wahab Riaz has been appointed Pakistan Cricket Team's chief selector after Inzamam-ul-Haq's termination from the top post.
After assuming the chief selector post, Riaz expressed his gratitude towards PCB for giving him this opportunity. The 38-year-old also assured the board to pick a competent team for the Australia Test and New Zealand T20I tour.
“I am honoured to assume the role of chairperson for the national men's selection committee and I extend my gratitude to Chairman PCB Management Committee, Mr Zaka Ashraf, for entrusting me with this responsibility. The decision to involve former players in cricketing matters is commendable and I am willing to work for the betterment of Pakistan cricket," Riaz said after assuming the post.
“Heading a selection committee is a challenging task. We have a significant Australia tour coming up that is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle and a T20I series against New Zealand that will allow us to develop a formidable unit leading up to the ICC T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies in June next year.
“I have a good rapport with the Pakistan Men’s Team Director Mohammad Hafeez and we will be working closely for the success of Pakistan cricket. My primary goal would be to give weightage to the top performers in domestic cricket and announce well-rounded squads equipped with the necessary skillsets. I will always be available to the players for feedback and advice," he added.
Riaz made his international debut for Pakistan in 2008 and went on to feature in 27 Tests, 91 ODIs, and 36 T20Is. He snared 237 wickets across all three formats during his tenure. Wahab Riaz is Pakistan's second-most successful bowler in World Cups, having bagged 35 wickets in three editions of the showpiece tournament.
Meanwhile, the churning in the Pakistan cricket continued following their disastrous campaign in the ODI World Cup 2023. It all started with Inzamam-ul-Haq's termination in the middle of the tournament. Then Morne Morkel resigned from the post of bowling coach. But it all culminated when Babar Azam in a shocking announcement stepped down as Pakistan captain few days back.
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