Pakistan's underwhelming performance in the T20 World Cup has led to significant changes, with Wahab Riaz and Abdul Razzaq being removed from their roles as selectors. Razzaq, who was recently appointed to the selection committees for both the men's and women's teams, will no longer serve as a selector for the women's side either. Official announcements regarding these departures are expected later this week.
Last month, it was reported that Wahab's position was at risk following Pakistan's exit in the group stage of the T20 World Cup. Despite being removed as chief selector earlier this year and then appointed as one of seven selectors in a committee without a chief, Wahab was perceived as the de facto head of the committee. This perception caused Wahab frustration, as he bore most of the criticism for the committee's decisions.
The selection committee's structure is also expected to change, with the appointment of a new chief selector anticipated. The panel is likely to be downsised, making it improbable that Wahab and Razzaq will be replaced. Wahab's rapid fall from favour is notable, considering his close ties to PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi. Wahab had served as caretaker sports minister in Naqvi's cabinet and followed him to the PCB, where he was initially appointed chief selector. Wahab also accompanied the Pakistan team to the T20 World Cup as senior team manager, a role he is likely to lose as well. Naqvi has reportedly been eager to show that no one is exempt from consequences.
This decision marks another shift in the PCB's player selection process. The seven-member committee was formed less than four months ago, with Wahab demoted from chief selector. Each member had an equal vote, and Naqvi stated that the committee would make decisions based on majority consensus following thorough debate and discussion.
The move highlights ongoing instability within the selection committee, which has seen six different chief selectors over the past four years: Wahab, Haroon Rashid, Shahid Afridi, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Wasim, and Misbah-ul-Haq have all held the position briefly.
The remaining five members of the selection committee include the head coach and captain of the respective formats, Mohammad Yousuf, Asad Shafiq, and data analyst Bilal Afzal.