(Source X)
The PCB, on Wednesday, July 10, removed Wahab Riaz and Abdul Razzaq from the national selection committee following Pakistan’s disappointing exit from the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 under Babar Azam’s captaincy.
PCB sacks Wahab Riaz and Abdul Razzaq post T20 World Cup 2024 debacle.
PCB said in an official statement: “The PCB today confirmed that it has notified Abdul Razzaq and Wahab Riaz that their services will no longer be required in the national selection committee setup.”
Wahab and Razzaq were integral members of PCB’s seven-member selection committee, with Razzaq also contributing to the women’s team selection committee. PCB is expected to implement further measures aimed at enhancing Pakistan’s international cricket performance.
Shahid Afridi expresses surprise over Abdul Razzaq and Wahab Riaz’s removal from selection committee.
Former Pakistan captain and legendary all-rounder Shahid Afridi has voiced his surprise and concern regarding the PCB’s decision to remove Abdul Razzaq and Wahab Riaz from the national team selection committee. Afridi described the move as a perplexing “surgery” by the PCB, expressing his difficulty in understanding the rationale behind it.
Shahid Afridi was quoted as saying by Cricket Pakistan: “To be honest, this kind of surgery is beyond my comprehension.”
Meanwhile, Afridi pointed out the extended stability enjoyed by current captain Babar Azam, contrasting it with the typical scenario where captains are often replaced after World Cups. He emphasized that while Azam has had ample opportunity to prove himself, selectors like Abdul Razzaq and Wahab Riaz are now losing their positions.
No captain has ever had such a clear opportunity like Babar Azam: Shahid Afridi
Afridi drew comparisons between Azam’s tenure and that of former captains like himself, Younis Khan, and Misbah-ul-Haq, indicating that Azam has been given ample opportunities. He called for full support for Azam and his captaincy, emphasizing the importance of building a cohesive and strong team unit.
He signed off by saying, “No captain has ever had such a clear opportunity. Usually, the captain is the first to be dismissed, right after the World Cup ends. We’ve led the team too, like myself, Younis Khan, and Misbah-ul-Haq, but Babar has had sufficient opportunities. Let’s make one decisive move and back him wholeheartedly with whatever he brings.”
Earlier, PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi clarified that no decisions have been made regarding Babar Azam’s white-ball captaincy. With Pakistan’s next limited-overs series against Australia scheduled for November, there is ample time for deliberation, although the likelihood of Babar being replaced appears slim.
Recently, Pakistan’s white-ball head coach, Gary Kirsten, indicated during his visit to Lahore for discussions with the PCB that Babar would likely retain his captaincy. Currently, Pakistan is gearing up for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh on home turf.
