Wahab Riaz, Abdul Razzaq Sacked From Pakistan Cricket Board After Disappointing T20 World Cup Campaign
Former Pakistan cricketers Wahab Riaz and Abdul Razzaq, who were serving as selectors, have been sacked from their posts, after a disappointing T20 World Cup campaign that saw the team finish their journey in the group stage itself. Razzaq had been appointed to the selector’s post for both men’s and women’s team a few weeks ago, but now has been dismissed entirely.
According to a report in ESPNCricinfo, the departures will be announced later this week.
As per earlier reports, Riaz’s job was in danger after Pakistan’s group stage exit from the T20 World Cup. Just 11 days after the marquee event ended, the Pakistan Cricket Board has already begun chopping and changing in the management.
Riaz was earlier removed as the chief selector and was included in a committee of seven selectors, which had no chief at all, but given his stature, he was considered the leader of the pack. He had raised frustrations regarding the same, because all criticism regarding selections were invariably being directed at him.
According to reports, the nature of the selection committee might be reconstituted, with a chief selector expected to be reappointed. The number of selectors will be cut down as well, with Riaz and Razzaq no more a part of the committee.
Riaz was believed to be a very close ally of Pakistan Cricket Board chief Mohsin Naqvi and his sacking might come as a shock to some. When Naqvi was serving as the caretaker chief minister of Punjab, Riaz was the caretaker sports minister and he got Riaz to the board as well and was initially appointed the chief selector.
Riaz had travelled with the Pakistan team to the T20 World Cup as senior team manager as well, another duty he might be stripped of.
Pakistan’s next assignment is a home two-Test series against Bangladesh from August 21 and it needs to be seen who is appointed the selector before the crucial Tests.
