In the aftermath of Pakistan’s disappointing T20 World Cup campaign, Wahab Riaz and Abdul Razzaq became first victims as they were sacked from their roles as selectors for the national side.
Razzaq, who was recently appointed to the selection committee for both the men’s and women’s teams, will no longer serve as a selector for the women’s team either.
In an official statement, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed, “The Pakistan Cricket Board notified Abdul Razzaq and Wahab Riaz that their services will no longer be required in the national selection committee setup.”
Major Changes Underway
This shakeup is part of the “major surgery” hinted at by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. With Wahab Riaz and Abdul Razzaq’s expulsion, the selection committee now features Asad Shafiq and Mohammad Yousuf, who are also likely to lose their positions as a new selection committee is expected to be formed soon.
Wahab’s position had been under scrutiny following Pakistan’s group stage exit from the T20 World Cup 2024. Despite being removed as chief selector earlier this year and then appointed as one of seven selectors on a committee without a chief, Wahab was widely viewed as the de facto head of the committee.
Consequences and Future Directions
Wahab also served as the senior team manager during the T20 World Cup, a role he is likely to be stripped of as well. The selection committee is expected to be restructured, with a chief selector likely to be reappointed.
This decision marks another U-turn in the PCB’s approach to player selection. The seven-member committee, which was only formed less than four months ago with each member carrying an equal vote, will now be overhauled.
Continuing Instability
This latest shakeup continues a trend of instability that has plagued the selection committee in recent years. The PCB has seen six chief selectors over the past four years, with Wahab, Haroon Rashid, Shahid Afridi, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Wasim, and Misbah-ul-Haq all serving brief stints.
As Pakistan cricket looks to rebuild after a disappointing World Cup, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these changes impact the team’s performance and stability moving forward.
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