With the Pakistan selection committee being sacked for the side’s worst performance in ICC ODI World Cup 2023 former fast bowler Wahab Riaz was appointed as the chief selector announced on Friday.
PCB appoints Wahab as interim chief selector
Pakistan suffered defeat during the World Cup campaign in 2023 and missed its spot in the semifinals. Due to the failure, the Pakistan Cricket Board and its players suffered criticism from fans and enthusiasts.
On this occasion, Former Pakistan fast bowler Wahab Riaz was appointed the chief selector of the national men’s committee on Friday.
Riaz announced his retirement in August 2023, having played 27 Test, 91 ODIs, and 36 T20Is in his career. He has picked around 237 wickets for Pakistan.
He’ll start governing the side for the test series against Australia in December in Australia and the T20I series against New Zealand in January. Shan Masood will be leading the side for the test series and Shaheen Afridi will be leading the T20I side.
While speaking after his appointment Riaz said, “I am honored to assume the role of chairperson for the national men’s selection committee, and I extend my gratitude to the Chairman of PCB Management Committee, Mr. Zaka Ashraf, for entrusting me with this responsibility,” the 38-year-old said.
“The [PCB’s] decision to involve former players in cricketing matters is commendable and I am willing to work for the betterment of Pakistan cricket,” Wahab said in a statement.
“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 skill sets. I will always be available to the players for feedback and advice,” he concluded.
Pakistan will not be playing any ODI matches for a year as they will be playing a three-match ODI series against Australia in 2024.
Meanwhile, Former Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez has been appointed as the Pakistan director. He will be playing a dual role as director and Pakistan’s head coach. He’ll be coaching the side for the tour of Australia and New Zealand.
Pakistan will be playing their first test of the Pakistan tour of Australia 2023 on December 14 at Perth Stadium, Perth.
