The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) named speedster Wahab Riaz, a former international cricket player, as the next chief selector of the national men’s selection committee as part of a significant restructuring that is currently underway.

Wahab Riaz

The position of head selector was left empty after former captain Inzamam ul Haq resigned on October 30 due to accusations of a “conflict of interest.” The former left-arm pacer has been appointed to the position.

After retiring from international cricket in August of this year, Wahab will begin his new role in advance of the December–January three-match Test series in Australia, which will be followed by a five-match T20I series in New Zealand in January.

Wahab Riaz hasn’t formally retired from franchise cricket, but his PSL side, Peshawar Zalmi, thanked him in a tweet on Friday for his “exceptional services to the team” and added, “Thank you for your countless contributions over the past 8 years, and you will always remain an integral part of the Zalmi family.”

The left-arm fast bowler gave thanks to PCB Management Committee Chairman Zaka Ashraf for his appointment as chief selector and stated, “I am honored to take on the role of chairperson for the national men’s selection committee.”

“The decision to involve former players in cricketing matters is commendable and I am willing to work for the betterment of Pakistan cricket,” he stated.

Wahab Riaz

He also emphasized the importance of the T20I series against New Zealand, which will be crucial to the team’s preparation for the T20 World Cup, which is set to take place in the USA and the West Indies in June of next year, and the Australia trip, which is a part of the ICC World Test Championship 2023–25 cycle.

“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,” he said.

Khadija Muzammil 17 November 2023 1 Comment Sports, Cricket