Pakistan Cricket Board’s revamp post the World Cup debacle continues as they have now appointed Wahab Riaz as the chief selector of the national men’s selection committee. Inzamam-ul-Haq, who held the position until recently, quit after conflict of interest allegations emerged with Pakistan failing to make it to the semifinals.
The 38-year-old had announced his retirement from international cricket only recently in August but had reiterated that he will continue to play franchise cricket around the globe. He has played 27 Tests, 91 ODIs and 36 T20Is for Pakistan with his most recent appearance for the national side coming in December 2020.
“I am honoured to assume the role of chairperson for the national men’s selection committee and I extend my gratitude to Chairman PCB Management Committee, Mr Zaka Ashraf, for entrusting me with this responsibility,” Wahab said in a statement. “The decision to involve former players in cricketing matters is commendable and I am willing to work for the betterment of Pakistan cricket.”
Wahab’s first assignment will be for Pakistan’s upcoming tour of Australia in which they will be playing three Tests. That series will be followed by a five-match T20I series in New Zealand. The PCB also recently announced the appointment of former allrounder Mohammad Hafeez as the team’s new director.
“We have a significant Australia tour coming up that is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle and a T20I series against New Zealand that will allow us to develop a formidable unit leading up to the ICC T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies in June next year,” he said.
“I have a good rapport with the Pakistan Men’s Team Director Mohammad Hafeez and we will be working closely for the success of Pakistan cricket.
“My primary goal would be to give weightage to the top performers in domestic cricket and announce well-rounded squads equipped with the necessary skillsets. I will always be available to the players for feedback and advice.”
