Pakistan’s poor T20 World Cup campaign in the USA has seen Wahab Riaz and Abdul Razzaq being sacked from their positions in the Pakistan Cricket Board’s selection committee as well. While the PCB is yet to confirm the much-talked-about development, as per Cricbuzz, it’s only a matter of time before an announcement is made as well.

Both Riaz and Razzaq were part of the seven-member selection committee that chose the squad for the T20 World Cup. Meanwhile, an internal PCB inquiry is believed to have found discrepancies in their decisions. Moreover, the PCB’s decision could be linked to feedback received from various members of the touring committee – including the manager, coach, and possibly even the captain Babar Azam as well. Notably, Razzaq will also be removed from his position on the women’s team selection panel as well.

“The decision was taken following feedback from various stakeholders, including players and support staff, regarding the promotion and selection of certain players despite reservations from other members,” sources familiar with the developments told Cricbuzz.

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Pakistan had a poor season in the T20 World Cup

In an exclusive interview during the tournament, Ramiz Raja, a former head of the PCB, slammed the selection of the team, especially the recall of Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir, who returned from retirement as well. Moreover, the fact that Riaz and Razzaq are playing in the ongoing World Championship of Legends in Birmingham has not gone down well with the PCB authorities as well.

However, the selection committee was announced by the PCB more than three months ago that too without a chairman. In addition to Wahab Riaz and Razzaq, the committee included Mohammad Yousuf and Asad Shafiq, along with the national team’s respective captain and coach, Gary Kirsten or Jason Gillespie as well.

“The seventh member is Bilal Afzal (data analyst), who will be responsible for providing the members with statistics and data to assist in the selection process,” the PCB had stated in its March 24 release.

However, Pakistan faced a shocking defeat at the hands of the co-hosts USA. A close loss to India in New York further dashed their hopes of advancing further in the World Cup, although they managed to beat Canada and Ireland in the group stage as well. India and the USA advanced to the Super 8 stage from Group (A), with India clinching the trophy in Bridgetown, Barbados, on June 29.

Wahab Riaz, previously appointed as the Sports Minister for Punjab (Lahore), has now assumed the role of chief selector for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). This appointment follows the resignation of Inzamam-ul-Haq as chief selector after the disappointing performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup and allegations of conflict of interest.

Despite announcing his international retirement, the left-arm pacer expressed his commitment to continue participating in franchise cricket. With 27 Tests, 91 ODIs, and 36 T20Is for Pakistan, Riaz’s most recent national team appearance was in December 2020.

In a statement, Wahab Riaz conveyed his gratitude to Chairman PCB Management Committee, Mr Zaka Ashraf, for entrusting him with the responsibility of chairing the national men’s selection committee.

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Riaz’s initial task will be to assemble a team for Pakistan’s upcoming three-match Test series against Australia, followed by a five-match T20I series against New Zealand. This announcement coincides with Mohammad Hafeez’s appointment as the team’s new director.

Wahab Riaz commended the decision to involve former players in cricketing matters and expressed his dedication to contribute to the improvement of Pakistan cricket. Emphasizing the importance of the upcoming Australia tour and the T20I series against New Zealand, he outlined his goal of selecting well-rounded squads based on the top performers in domestic cricket.

Collaborating closely with Pakistan Men’s Team Director Mohammad Hafeez, Riaz highlighted their joint efforts for the success of Pakistan cricket. He pledged to prioritize feedback and advice for players, with the overarching goal of developing a formidable unit leading up to the ICC T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies in June next year.