Wahab formally named Interim Chief Selector

 Wahab formally named Interim Chief Selector

Correspondent 

LAHORE: Former Pakistan fast bowler Wahab Riaz has been appointed as the interim chief selector of the national cricket team. Riaz will be responsible for selecting the team for the upcoming tour of Australia. It has not been confirmed whether Riaz will step down from his role as interim sports advisor following his appointment as chief selector.

Wahab, who made his international debut in 2008, represented Pakistan in 27 Tests, 91 ODIs and 36 T20Is picking up 237 wickets and scoring 1200 runs across the three formats. He was Pakistan’s second-most successful bowler in World Cups, registering 35 wickets across three editions of the marquee event.

Wahab Riaz emphasized: “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. The decision to involve former players in cricketing matters is commendable and I am willing to work for the betterment of Pakistan cricket.

“Heading a selection committee is a challenging task. 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.

“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.”

Additionally, former Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez has been appointed as the head coach and director of the Pakistan national cricket team. Hafeez will also serve as the head coach during the team's tour of Australia and New Zealand, which includes a series of three Tests against Australia and five T20Is against New Zealand.

These appointments come in the aftermath of batter Babar Azam stepping down as the team captain in all formats after the disappointing performance in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. The team will now see Shan Masood leading in Test cricket, while Shaheen Shah Afridi will take charge of the T20I side.