(Source X)
Former Pakistan fast bowler Sarfraz Nawaz disclosed that he had advised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) against appointing Wahab Riaz as a national selector for the men’s cricket team. Nawaz stated that he had cautioned both Zaka Ashraf and Mohsin Naqvi about the potential repercussions.
The PCB recently removed Wahab Riaz and Abdul Razzaq from the selection panel following Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup 2024. Wahab had joined the panel in November 2023 after Pakistan’s failure to reach the semi-finals of the ODI World Cup 2023 in India.
Sarfraz Nawaz has responded to Wahab Riaz’s dismissal from the PCB.
During an interview with a local news channel, Sarfraz Nawaz disclosed that he had previously cautioned former PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf and current PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi about Wahab Riaz’s shortcomings as an administrator, but his advice went unheeded at the time.
“I am on record to have written letters to Zaka (Ashraf) and (Mohsin) Naqvi regarding Wahab’s (Riaz) suspected past and his lack of abilities as an administrator. Nobody paid heed to my suggestion. I knew well that Wahab was not capable of delivering in any capacity yet he was made selector, advisor and manager. On all fronts, he failed,” Sarfraz Nawaz claimed.
Following his removal from the post on Wednesday (July 10), Wahab Riaz posted on X (formerly Twitter), stating he had much to express but preferred not to engage in a blame game.
“Babar Azam is low in confidence” – Sarfraz Nawaz
The legendary Pakistan fast bowler also weighed in on Babar Azam and the potential candidates for Pakistan’s white-ball captaincy. Sarfraz Nawaz endorsed Mohammad Rizwan as the ideal choice, citing his strong captaincy track record in domestic cricket and the PSL, where his team Multan Sultans has consistently excelled.
“(Mohammad) Rizwan has proved his captaincy credentials by helping KPK win all domestic events in the past while his performance as Multan Sultans’ captain has been consistent over the years. He is the best choice for the job. Babar Azam is low in confidence and should not be considered for the job,” Sarfraz Nawaz stated.
Pakistan faced a disappointing campaign in the T20 World Cup 2024, failing to progress beyond the initial group stage. Despite promising positions, they suffered narrow defeats to the USA and India in their first two matches. Victories against Canada and Ireland followed, yet Pakistan’s efforts fell short as India and the USA advanced from Group A.
The early elimination drew strong criticism from experts and former cricketers in Pakistan. Meanwhile, India emerged victorious in the tournament, clinching the T20 World Cup 2024 title with a thrilling 7-run win over South Africa in the final.
