• Sportzyverse
• Cricket news
• 07/10/2024
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In the wake of Pakistan’s disappointing exit from the T20 World Cup, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made significant changes to the selection committee. Former pacer Wahab Riaz and former all-rounder Abdul Razzaq have been sacked, highlighting the board’s intent to address the issues that led to the team’s poor performance.

The Decision

The decision to sack Riaz and Razzaq comes barely four months after the selection committee’s restructuring, with PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi at the helm. The T20 World Cup debacle, in which Pakistan failed to advance from the group stages after losses to the USA and India, prompted a thorough review and subsequent action.

With the departure of Riaz and Razzaq, the selection committee has been reduced to five members, compared to the original seven. The remaining members include:

• Mohammad Yousaf
• Asad Shafiq
• Bilal Afzal (Data Analyst)

The PCB is unlikely to fill the vacant positions left by Riaz and Razzaq, indicating a possible shift back to a smaller, more streamlined selection committee.

Wahab Riaz’s tenure with the PCB has been tumultuous. Initially appointed as chief selector and later seen as a key figure within the selection committee, Riaz’s tenure was marked by controversy and criticism. His close association with PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi and his contentious decisions, such as appointing Salman Butt as an advisor and his public feud with ace pacer Haris Rauf, drew significant attention.

Riaz’s position was always under scrutiny, especially after being perceived as the de facto head of the committee despite the revamped structure that aimed to distribute responsibilities equally among the members. His role as senior team manager during the T20 World Cup will also likely be stripped following this shake-up.

Abdul Razzaq’s Departure

Abdul Razzaq’s removal from the selection committee extends beyond the men’s team; he has also been relieved from his duties within the women’s selection committee. While Razzaq’s contributions were noted, they were overshadowed by the overall performance and the structural changes deemed necessary by the PCB.

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The PCB is considering reverting to the old model of a five-member selection committee with a designated chief selector. This structure aims to bring clarity and accountability to the selection process. The men’s team has seen frequent changes in chief selectors over the past four years, with six individuals occupying the role briefly. The proposed changes will stabilize the selection process and bring a more consistent approach.

The sacking of Wahab Riaz and Abdul Razzaq from the selection committee marks a decisive step by the PCB to rectify the issues plaguing the national team.