Caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi has allowed Wahab Riaz to serve as the interim chief selector and sports advisor concurrently on Friday.
Former Pakistan fast bowler Wahab Riaz had appointed as the interim chief selector of the national team. Riaz will pick up the team for the tour of Australia. The decision has not yet been made as to whether Riaz will resign from the post of the interim sports advisor or not following his appointment as the team’s chief selector.
On this occasion, Riaz said, “It is a proud moment to spearhead the national selection committee. It is commendable to take the former cricketers on board in terms of handling matters pertaining to cricket”.
Following his appointment as the team’s interim chief selector, Riaz said, “I would like to express my gratitude to Zaka Ashraf.”
He underscored the importance of Pakistan’s upcoming tour of Australia, deeming it “quite crucial’’ for the team.
Riaz also underlined Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand, in which five T20Is will be held.
He expressed optimism that the balanced team will be prepared ahead of the T20 World Cup next year, which will be jointly hosted by the West Indies and the United States.
– Hafeez undertakes dual role –
Former Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez had been appointed as the Pakistan national cricket team’s head coach and director.
The newly-appointed director will also serve as the team’s head coach for the Pakistan tour of Australia and New Zealand.
Pakistan are scheduled to play a series of three Tests against Australia and five T20Is against New Zealand.
The newly-looked Pakistan will be spearheaded by Shan Masood in Test cricket, while Shaheen Shah Afridi will lead the T20I side.
