Wahab Riaz appointed as new chief selector of men’s cricket team

Wahab Riaz has been appointed as the new chief selector of the Pakistan men’s cricket team on Friday.

The 38-year-old Riaz replaces Inzamamul Haq who stepped down last month following allegations of a conflict of interests.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirming his appointment in a statement said that Wahab Riaz’s first assignment would be selecting the squad for the three-match Test series against Australia and the five-match T20I series against New Zealand.

PCB’s press release quoted Wahab Riaz as saying that he was “honoured” to take on the role. He also extended his gratitude to PCB chief 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,” Riaz said.

“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,” he said.

Wahab Riaz played 27 tests and 91 one-day internationals (ODI) for Pakistan and retired from international cricket as a player in August.

Meanwhile, Sohail Tanvir is to lead the junior selection committee.