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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) named former speedster Wahab Riaz as the chief selector of the men's national team on Friday. Following Babar Azam's decision to step down as skipper from all formats, the top position of the PCB management and the team is under scanner.
Former Pakistan fast bowler Wahab Riaz has been appointed as the chief selector of the national men’s selection committee.
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 17, 2023
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The sudden shift in Pakistan's cricket came after their disastrous campaign in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in India. Pakistan's management is trying to reshape the current chaotic situation. Wahab Riaz will take over the office from Inzamam-ul-Haq, who resigned during the tournament.
Wahab Riaz opens up about his appointment as chief selector and outlines his priorities in this role 🎙️🏏
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 17, 2023
More details ➡️ https://t.co/3uhDwHUhIB pic.twitter.com/qfuv0Y9Bdm
Earlier in the week, Babar Azam stepped down as a skipper from all formats followed by the poor performance of the 'Men in Green'. Shan Masood and Shaheen Afridi were appointed by PCB to take Babar's place in test and T20 formats, respectively.
Wahab Riaz's first task will be the selection of the squad for the three-match Test series against the current ICC Test Champion Australia from December 14 to January 7 in Australia. The team selection will be important as Pakistan will also play a five-match T20I series against New Zealand from 12 to 21 January in New Zealand.
The ace bowling allrounder of Pakistan Wahab Riaz had represented Pakistan in 27 Tests, 91 ODIs, and 36 T20Is scalping 237 wickets and scoring 1200 runs across formats.
In an official statement released by the PCB, Wahab said, "I am honored to assume the role of chairperson for the national men's selection committee and I extend my gratitude to the Chairman of PCB Management Committee, Zaka Ashraf, for entrusting me with this responsibility. The decision to involve former players in cricketing matters is commendable and I am willing to work for the betterment of Pakistan cricket."
Member of the 2009 T20 World Cup winning squad and former Pakistan cricketer Sohail Tanvir has been appointed as head of the junior selection committee.
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 17, 2023
More details ➡️ https://t.co/kGA72SyMBW pic.twitter.com/cxG4VhQwff
Furthermore, the statement added, "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 skill sets. I will always be available to the players for feedback and advice."
Pakistan managed to win only four of their nine games and failed to qualify for the semi-final of the 2023 World Cup, with only four wins in nine games taking them to the 5th spot in the table.
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