Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made a significant change in the wake of the Babar Azam-led national team’s underwhelming performance at the T20 World Cup in USA. Wahab Riaz and Abdul Razzaq have been removed from their roles as selectors for the men’s national side. Razzaq, who recently took on a selection role for both the men’s and women’s teams, will no longer be involved in selecting the women’s team either.
Fall from grace for Wahab Riaz
Wahab Riaz’s departure marks a swift turnaround for a figure previously seen as close to PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi. Wahab’s past association with Naqvi included serving as caretaker sports minister and following him to the PCB, where he initially held the position of chief selector.
Reports from ESPNcricinfo suggest Wahab Riaz’s job as a selector was under threat after Pakistan’s early exit at the T20 World Cup in USA. While officially downgraded from chief selector earlier this year, he was widely seen as the de facto leader of the seven-member committee with no designated head.
Restructuring selection process for Pakistan Team
The PCB’s decision signals another change in the way Pakistan’s national team is selected. The recently formed seven-member committee, with Wahab as a member, is likely to be revamped. A return to a chief selector role and a smaller selection panel are expected.
History of Instability: Pakistan Cricket Board
This latest move highlights the ongoing instability within the PCB’s selection committee. Six chief selectors have come and gone in the past four years, including Wahab Riaz, Haroon Rashid, Shahid Afridi, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Wasim and Misbah-ul-Haq.
The remaining five members of the current committee – the head coach and captain for each format, Mohammad Yousaf, Asad Shafiq and data analyst Bilal Afzal – are expected to remain for the time being.
This shake-up demonstrates the PCB’s intent to address the national team’s recent shortcomings. Whether this signifies a return to winning ways remains to be seen, but a more structured selection process could be a step in the right direction.
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