Wasim Akram, among others, was surprised to spot Wahab Riaz in Pakistan’s team huddle ahead of their T20 World Cup game against India.
Wahab retired from international cricket in August 2023, having last represented his country in 2020. Since then, he has occupied several roles within Pakistan cricket, but not in an official coaching capacity.
He was named chief selector in November 2023, with the start of his tenure marred by a controversy over the appointment of Salman Butt, infamous for his role in the 2010 spot-fixing scandal, as a consultant. Butt was swiftly removed from his position.
Wahab was part of the panel which selected Pakistan’s T20 World Cup squad, and is serving as the senior team manager for the tour. Mansoor Rana is listed as team manager, and it is not clear what the distinction is between the two roles. Gary Kirsten was appointed as head coach shortly before the tournament took place.
Wasim Akram "That's Wahab Riaz, why's he wearing a cap. Weird" #INDvPAK #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/irrkkzQdxM
— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) June 9, 2024
Nevertheless, Wahab was present in the team huddle ahead of the all-important clash against India. “Why’s he wearing a cap? Weird,” remarked Akram on ICC commentary. Wahab changed his cap from an official Pakistan team hat to one that was lighter in colour and with a star, rather than a Pepsi logo, on the front, during the team talk.
Pakistan’s T20 World Cup hopes were dented by a shock defeat to USA in their opening fixture, leaving them with little margin for error from hereon in.
