Wahab Riaz in as Pakistan chief selector as post-World Cup upheaval continues

Wahab replaces Inzimam-ul-Haq, who stepped down from the role in October amid allegations of a conflict of interests relating to his business relationships; Mohammad Yousuf and Sohail Tanvir have also taken on new roles

Nick Friend | 18/11/2023 at 12:14

Pakistan's period of post-World Cup upheaval has continued apace with the appointment of Wahab Riaz as chief selector for the men's national team.

Wahab replaces Inzimam-ul-Haq, who stepped down from the role in October amid allegations of a conflict of interests relating to his business relationships.

His first assignment will be the selection of a Test squad to tour Australia in December and a T20I squad to take on New Zealand in January. The fast bowler played in this year's Pakistan Super League and has not formally retired from T20 cricket, but a tweet from Peshawar Zalmi suggested they do not expect to have him available in 2024.

"The decision to involve former players in cricketing matters is commendable and I am willing to work for the betterment of Pakistan cricket," said Wahab, who added that he has "a good rapport" with Mohammad Hafeez, who earlier this week was appointed as Pakistan's new team director.

That role was held by Mickey Arthur until Hafeez's appointment, but there has been no official update from the PCB as to where that leaves the South African.

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^{Wahab was still playing in the 2023 Pakistan Super League (Aamir Qureshi/AFP via Getty Images)}

Earlier in the week, Babar Azam resigned as captain across all formats, with Shan Masood given the Test job and Shaheen Shah Afridi placed in charge of the T20I side. An ODI captain has not yet been named, with a significant gap before Pakistan's next 50-over engagement.

Former teammates of Wahab have also been added to the fold, with fellow left-armer Sohail Tanvir appointed as head of the junior selection committee on Friday.

On Saturday, former batter Mohammad Yousuf was confirmed as Pakistan's new Under-19 head coach, with his responsibilities beginning immediately: Pakistan are involved in the Under-19 Asia Cup and the Under-19 World Cup, which take place between December and the end of January.