ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed on Wednesday that it has dismissed former cricketers Wahab Riaz and Abdul Razzaq from its selection committees for both the men’s and women’s teams.
In a press release, the board announced that it has informed both former cricketers that they are no longer needed in the national selection committee setup.
Media reports citing sources indicated that the board had removed the ex-cricketers from the selection committee, citing a loss of confidence in them for supporting players who underperformed in the mega-event.
The removal of the former cricketers coincides with the PCB’s reorganization of the men’s national selection committee in March this year, aiming to enhance transparency. However, the team selected by the committee has failed to deliver in all series since the reorganization.
Riaz served on the men’s selection committee, while Razzaq was involved with both the men’s and women’s teams’ selection committees.
However, due to the men’s team’s disappointing performance and early exit from the T20 World Cup, coupled with the women’s team’s consecutive losses in bilateral series against England and West Indies.
They played a significant role in selecting the T20 World Cup squad and consistently supported underperforming players. According to sources, their opinions have not been considered for some time now.
However, according to reports, the PCB has kept Mohammad Yousuf, Asad Shafiq, and Bilal Afzal in the seven-member panel, which also features the captain and head coach.
The board has indicated that it will share more updates on the composition of the selection committee in the near future.
Amid widespread criticism from fans and the cricketing community after the T20 World Cup disappointment, the PCB chairman convened meetings with white-ball coach Gary Kirsten and red-ball coach Jason Gillespie to address crucial team matters.
