Wahab Riaz has been named as the new chief selector of the Pakistan men’s side by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the latest in a series of changes after the team’s World Cup 2023 exit.

Wahab’s appointment came in the wake of the resignation of former chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq amid allegations of a conflict of interest and in the aftermath of Pakistan’s World Cup 2023 elimination, where they crashed out of the tournament without making the semi-final.

Wahab called time on his international career in August 2023 but is yet to retire from franchise cricket. The upcoming red-ball tour of Australia starting in December, followed by five-match T20Is in New Zealand, will be his first stint in his new post.

In a video message on PCB’s social media handles, Wahab thanked the organisation for the opportunity and listed his priorities going forward: “The [PCB’s] decision to involve former players in cricketing matters is commendable and I am willing to work for the betterment of Pakistan cricket.

“Heading a selection committee is a challenging task. We have a significant Australia tour coming up that is part of the ICC 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 ICC T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies in June next year.”

Wahab Riaz opens up about his appointment as chief selector and outlines his priorities in this role 🎙️🏏

More details ➡️ https://t.co/3uhDwHUhIB pic.twitter.com/qfuv0Y9Bdm

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 17, 2023

Wahab’s is the latest in a series of changes in management roles in Pakistan cricket, with Babar Azam resigning as captain, and Mickey Arthur moved aside as director of cricket. Shan Masood and Shaheen Shah Afridi have been named as Test and T20I captain respectively, while Mohammad Hafeez is the new men’s team director. “I have a good rapport with the Pakistan Men’s Team Director Mohammad Hafeez and we will be working closely for the success of Pakistan cricket,” said Wahab. “My primary goal would be to give weightage to the top performers in domestic cricket and announce well-rounded squads equipped with the necessary skill sets. I will always be available to the players for feedback and advice.”

I'm honored and humbled to be given this responsibility. My Junoon to serve Pakistan and cricket has a clear direction. I will learn what I have to, consult where I should, and ensure we put our best team forward starting with the Australia tour. Need Duas#PakisanZindabad 🇵🇰 #1 https://t.co/f0GmS1jFgR

— Wahab Riaz (@WahabViki) November 17, 2023

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