In yet another episode of drama within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Wahab Riaz, the newly-appointed chief selector, found himself amid controversy. This time drama is around Salman Butt’s abrupt appointment and subsequent removal as a consultant. The swift turn of events led Riaz to hold a press conference, where he defended his decision and addressed the criticism. Not only this, he used examples like Ajay Jadeja and Mohammad Azharuddin from world cricket to emphasize the concept of forgiveness.
The PCB’s initial announcement of Salman Butt as a consultant alongside Kamran Akmal and Rao Iftikhar Anjum triggered a wave of backlash. However, Riaz responded vehemently, insisting that Butt had been removed from his role immediately. This move came as a reaction to the considerable criticism the PCB faced for appointing Butt, who had previously served a 10-year ban by the ICC for his involvement in the spot-fixing scandal in 2010.
During the press conference at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Riaz namedropped cricket personalities Mohammad Azharuddin and Ajay Jadeja to emphasize the forgiving nature of world cricket. He expressed frustration with the propaganda surrounding the controversy and clarified that the individuals he selects to work with are his decisions, working transparently under the chairmanship of Zaka Ashraf.
“People were talking all sorts of stuff about me and Salman Butt. Therefore, I am reverting the decision, and I have already spoken to Salman Butt that he cannot be part of my team,” Riaz declared.
Focusing on the transparency in his working environment under Zaka Ashraf’s leadership, Riaz thanked the PCB for allowing him to choose his team members. He aimed to dispel the criticism surrounding Butt’s appointment, arguing that the cricketing world has witnessed instances of redemption.
Wahab Riaz namedrops Mohammad Azharuddin and Ajay Jadeja
Drawing parallels with the Indian cricket scene, Riaz highlighted the cases of Mohammad Azharuddin and Ajay Jadeja. Both players were embroiled in a match-fixing scandal in 2000, resulting in a five-match ban imposed by the BCCI. Despite this, Azharuddin now serves as the president of one of the cricket associations, while Jadeja worked as Afghanistan’s batting consultant in the recent World Cup.
“In India, we have examples of Mohammad Azharuddin and Ajay Jadeja. They are working in cricket now, and there is no fuss. Azharuddin is the president of one of the cricket associations, and Jadeja was Afghanistan’s batting consultant in the World Cup,” Wahab Riaz asserted.
The controversy adds another layer to the ongoing saga within the PCB, raising questions about decision-making processes and the board’s approach to handling past controversies.
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