‘Musical chairs khel rahe hain’ – Fans react as Wahab Riaz named new chief selector of Pakistan cricket team

In the aftermath of the Pakistan cricket team’s disappointing performance in the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023, marked by their failure to qualify for the semi-finals and a notable loss against Afghanistan, former Pakistani fast bowler Wahab Riaz has been appointed as the new chief selector. 

This strategic move signals a proactive response to the team’s challenges, with Riaz stepping into a pivotal role to shape the future composition of the Men in Green. As fans react to this significant change in leadership, hopes are high for a revamped selection approach that will address the team’s shortcomings and propel them towards future success.

“Former Pakistan fast bowler Wahab Riaz has been appointed as the chief selector of the national men’s selection committee. His first assignment will be the selection of the national men’s squad for the three-match Test series against Australia from 14 December to 7 January in Australia and the five-match T20I series against New Zealand from 12 to 21 January in New Zealand,” PCB was quoted as saying by Geo super TV.

Heading a selection committee is a challenging task: Wahab Riaz

Expressing his gratitude, Wahab Riaz acknowledged the honor of becoming the chairperson of the national men’s selection committee. He commended the decision to involve former players in cricketing matters and emphasised the challenging task of heading the selection committee. Riaz highlighted upcoming significant tours, including Australia and New Zealand, aiming to develop a formidable unit leading to the 2024 T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies in June next year.

“I am honoured to assume the role of chairperson for the national men’s selection committee and I extend my gratitude to the Chairman of the PCB Management Committee, Mr. 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,” Wahab said in a video quoted by Geosuper TV.

“Heading a selection committee is a challenging task. We have a significant Australia tour coming up that is part of the World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle and a T20I series against New Zealand that will allow us to develop a formidable unit leading up to the T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies in June next year,” he added.

Here’s how fans reacted: