Follow UsWahab Riaz, earlier named Punjab’s (Lahore) Sports Minister, has now been appointed as Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)’s chief selector. After the 2023 ODI World Cup debacle, Inzamam-ul-Haq quit as the chief selector after allegations of conflict of interest.
While Riaz has announced his international retirement, the left-arm pacer stated he will continue playing franchise cricket. His most recent appearance for the national team came in December 2020, having played 27 Tests, 91 ODIs and 36 T20Is for Pakistan.
"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.
Riaz’s first assignment will be to select a team for Pakistan’s upcoming three-match Test series against Australia. Following that, Pakistan will play a five-match T20I series in the neighbouring country of New Zealand against the BlackCaps. Riaz’s announcement follows Hafeez’s appointment as the team’s new director.
"The decision to involve former players in cricketing matters is commendable and I am willing to work for the betterment of Pakistan cricket."
"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."