On November 17, Wahab Riaz was appointed chief selector for Pakistan. He will take over the role that was left empty when Inzamam-ul-Haq resigned due to accusations of a conflict of interest. The announcement coincides with an amazing rearrangement of the Pakistani team’s backroom following their elimination from the 2023 ODI World Cup in the group stage.
Since then, Babar Azam has given up captaincy in all forms. The PCB management committee has named Shaheen Afridi as the T20I captain and Shan Masood as the Test captain, respectively. The ODI leadership position is still open. In addition, Mohammad Hafeez will function as the head coach and team director as the PCB considers combining the two positions.
Meanwhile, Riaz’s first task will be to choose the Australian team for the three-match Test series that begins in Australia on December 14. A five-match Twenty20 International series against New Zealand will take place in New Zealand from January 12 to 21 after that series.
“I am honored to take on the position of chairperson for the national men’s selection committee, and I would like to express my gratitude to Mr. Zaka Ashraf, Chairman of the PCB Management Committee, for giving me this responsibility.”
In a statement, Riaz added, “I think it’s great that former players are now involved in cricket affairs and I’m ready to work for Pakistan cricket’s improvement.
“Running a selection committee is a difficult job. As part of the ICC World Test Championship 2023–25 cycle, we have an important trip to Australia coming up, as well as a T20I series against New Zealand that will help us build a strong team in time for the ICC T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies in June of next year.
“Muhammad Hafeez, the director of the Pakistan Men’s Team, and I get along well, and we’ll be collaborating closely to make Pakistan cricket successful. My main objective would be to announce well-rounded squads with the required skill sets, giving consideration to the best players in domestic cricket. I’ll always be here to offer the guys advise and comments,” he continued.
Wahab, who made his debut for his country in 2008, took 237 wickets and amassed 1200 runs in 27 Tests, 91 ODIs, and 36 T20Is while playing for the national team. Having taken 35 wickets in three World Cup editions, he was Pakistan’s second-most successful bowler ever.
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