The PCB‘s overhaul after Pakistan’s frustrating departure from the 2024 T20 World Cup starts with the dismissal of Wahab Riaz and Abdul Razzaq from the selection team. As per the reports from ESPNcricinfo, the official declaration of this choice is predicted upcoming week.
Wahab, a former Pakistan fast bowler, had been appointed as chief selector last year but lost the role a few months ago. He remained a part of the selection committee, which operated without a designated leader; all members, including the PCB chairman, had equal voting power.
Meanwhile, Razzaq served on both the men’s and women’s national team selection committees. The former all-rounder has also had brief stints as Pakistan’s interim and assistant coach over the years.
There was anticipation of significant changes in the selection committee due to the criticism faced by the squad following the 2024 T20 World Cup. The performances of the Babar Azam-led team further fueled dissatisfaction, especially regarding the selection of players like Azam Khan and others, which received widespread criticism.
Moreover, the decision to bring back former cricketers such as Imad Wasim and Mohammed Amir was met with disapproval from both fans and experts.
The Pakistan Cricket Board is expected to maintain a streamlined selection committee
The exits of Wahab and Razzaq reduce the PCB’s selection committee to five members, comprising the respective format’s captain and head coach, former cricketers Mohammed Yousuf and Asad Shafiq, and Bilal Afzal, a data analyst.
Wahab’s career saw a rapid ascent post-retirement, heavily influenced by PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi. The former fast bowler also held the interim position of Punjab sports minister during Naqvi’s tenure as chief minister of the province.
In addition to his role on the selection committee, Wahab served as the senior team manager during the 2024 T20 World Cup, a responsibility he will no longer hold.
The PCB is likely to overhaul the current selection committee structure, which lacks a designated chief.
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