Pakistan’s early exit from the 2024 T20 World Cup resulted in the sacking of chief selectors Wahab Riaz and Abdul Razzaq. Amid allegations of contradictions in the functioning of the selection committee, Riaz has clarified that he has performed his post with ‘honesty’ and is fully committed to his role.
Pakistan’s early exit from the 2024 T20 World Cup had ramifications. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has sacked chief selector Wahab Riaz and fellow member of the chief selection committee Abdul Razzaq.
After consecutive defeats to the United States and India, Babar Azam crashed out of the T20 World Cup in the group stage. Victories over Canada and Ireland were the only consolation as the Men in Green returned home and PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi promised immediate action.
Naqvi seems to be moving the ball forward by sacking former pacer Riaz and Razzaq, and the musical chairs at the PCB continue with Wahab Riaz as the sixth chief selector candidate at the apex board in the last four years.
The seven-member selection committee faced multiple allegations. An internal investigation from within the PCB highlighted inconsistencies in the decisions made by the selection committee, and was supported by comments from the manager, coach and captain Babar Azam.
Wahab Riaz has made it clear that he did his job ‘with honesty’ and does not want to be dragged into any blame game for Pakistan’s disappointing T20 World Cup campaign while responding to serious allegations.
As my tenure as a member of the selection committee for the PCB comes to an end, I want my people to know that I have served the sport I love with faith and integrity and given 100 percent for the betterment of Pakistan cricket. Riaz wrote in a post.
He further said in a statement, “It has been an honour to serve as part of the selection committee. It is a privilege to be part of the seven-member panel to select the national team and make a collective decision – everyone has an equal vote. And we made the selection. I equally shared the responsibility of the process by taking decisions as a team.
The statement also included Riaz’s best wishes for the Pakistan team moving forward, and said that it was a privilege to assist Gary Kirsten and the other coaches, while also adding that he hopes for better days ahead for the Pakistan cricket team.
