Following a disappointing group-stage exit at the T20 World Cup 2024, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made a major revamp to its selection committee. Former fast bowler Wahab Riaz is among those who have been sacked from Pakistan's selection committee. Pakistan's struggles were evident as they were eliminated from the T20 World Cup 2024 in the group stage only. Losses to both India and USA in the group stage triggered a strong reaction from PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi. He reportedly stated the need for a ‘surgery’ on Pakistan's cricketing structure, and the dismissal of Riaz and fellow selector Abdul Razzaq appears to be the first step in that process.
Wahab Riaz reacts after getting sacked from Pakistan's selector panel
Taking to X (formerly known has Twitter) after his dismissal, Wahab Riaz expressed his frustration, hinting at having much to say but choosing to avoid a public blame game.
“My time serving as a member of the selection committee for PCB comes to an end, I just want my people to know that I have served the game I love with faith and sincerity and have given 100 percent for the betterment of Pakistan cricket,” Wahab Riaz said on Twitter.
“It has been an honour to serve as part of the selection panel. To make collaborative decisions as part of the seven man panel to select the national team was a privilege - everyone's vote carried equal weight, we made selection decisions as a team & shared the responsibility of that process equally. It was an honour to contribute my part to that,” he further added.
Selection Committee Shakeup After Pakistan's World Cup Exit
Wahab Riaz's dismissal follows the recent ousting of Abdul Razzaq, both of whom were part of the seven-member committee that selected the Pakistan squad for the T20 World Cup. Reports suggest an internal PCB inquiry identified issues with the committee's decisions. Additionally, feedback from team management, including the manager, coach, and possibly captain Babar Azam, may have contributed to their removal. This latest development adds to the PCB's revolving door of chief selectors. With Riaz's departure, the board has seen six different chief selectors in just four years. The previous occupants of this role include Haroon Rashid, Shahid Afridi, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Wasim, and Misbah-ul-Haq.
“Moreover, it was an honour to support Gary Kirsten & the coaching group as they set their vision for this team. I am confident that the team 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 thankful to the people who have prayed for me. I wish nothing but success for the future of the Pakistan cricket team,” Riaz signed off.
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