In a significant development for Pakistan cricket, former cricketer Wahab Riaz has been appointed as the interim chief selector of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). This announcement follows the resignation of Inzamam ul Haq from the post due to a conflict of interest, a move that left the position vacant since October 30, right in the midst of the ICC Cricket World Cup.
Wahab Riaz, who was actively engaged in franchise cricket, expressed his enthusiasm for the new role. Addressing the media, Riaz emphasized his close working relationship with Pakistan Men’s Team Director Mohammad Hafeez, who has concurrently been named the team’s director and coach for the upcoming series against Australia and New Zealand.
“I have a good rapport with Pakistan Men’s Team Director Mohammad Hafeez, and we will be working closely for the success of Pakistan cricket,” Riaz stated. Highlighting his vision, he added, “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.”
Commending the PCB’s decision to involve former players in crucial cricketing matters, Wahab expressed his commitment to the improvement of Pakistan cricket.
“Heading a selection committee is a challenging task,” he acknowledged. “We have a significant Australia tour coming up, part of the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle, and a T20I series against New Zealand. This 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.”
The timing of Wahab Riaz’s appointment holds particular significance, with Pakistan gearing up for a crucial 3-match Test series against Australia in December 2023 to January 2024. Following that, a challenging 5-match T20I series against New Zealand in January 2024 awaits, setting the stage for an intense and pivotal cricketing season under the guidance of the newly appointed interim chief selector.
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