Former Pakistani Test legend Sarfraz Nawaz has demanded the complete removal of the current selection committee, expressing strong disapproval over Wahab Riaz’s appointment to significant positions ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Nawaz criticized the committee as being “incapable of delivering.”
“The selection committee has operated as a collective unit, evident from the pre-World Cup press conference where each member acknowledged the team was selected by consensus,” Sarfraz stated.
He argued that since the committee worked together in making decisions, all members should be dismissed.
Nawaz has been particularly critical of Wahab Riaz’s administrative skills, having previously sent letters to both former PCB Management Committee head Zaka Ashraf and current chairman Mohsin Naqvi. “I have documented my concerns about Wahab’s questionable past and administrative shortcomings in letters to Zaka and Naqvi. Despite my warnings, Wahab was appointed as selector, advisor, and manager, roles in which he has failed.”
Wahab Riaz and Abdul Razzaq were recently removed from the national selection committee by the PCB. In a tweet on ‘X,’ Riaz acknowledged the collective responsibility of the selection committee in forming the T20 World Cup team. “I disagree with claims that one vote dominated the decision-making process. Everything is recorded in the meeting minutes,” Wahab noted.
Sarfraz insists on a thorough restructuring rather than partial changes. “A major overhaul is necessary to set the system right. A three-member selection committee is required, and removing only Wahab and Abdul Razzaq is insufficient. Asad Shafiq and Mohammad Yousuf also lack the capability to deliver.”
Regarding captaincy, Sarfraz suggested retaining Shan Masood as Test captain and appointing Mohammad Rizwan as the white-ball captain. “Rizwan has demonstrated his leadership skills by leading KPK to victory in all domestic competitions and has been consistently successful as Multan Sultans’ captain. He is the best candidate for the role. Babar Azam, currently low on confidence, should not be considered for captaincy.”
