Veteran fast bowler Wahab Riaz, who is interested in making a comeback to the Pakistani national team, has spoken out about the issue of favouritism that occurred during Ramiz Raja’s stint as Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
Wahab, who was just designated Sports Minister of Pakistani Punjab province on Friday, criticised the selection criteria used by the previous head selector, Muhammad Wasim, and questioned the decision to leave experienced players out of the national team. Wahab’s comments came after he was named.
Wasim was referred to as a “laptop chief selector” by Wahab, who had played for Pakistan up till the year 2020.
“Wasim, who was in charge of making the pick for the laptop, made a poor choice. Imad Wasim, Shoaib Malik, and Sarfaraz Ahmed were among the players he left off the team, and he offered no explanation for his decision.
Both Shoaib and Imad had successful showings in the T20 World Cup 2021. Why was he not able to watch their performance on his laptop? Why weren’t they considered for the Twenty20 World Cup that will be held in Australia in 2022? What exactly was their mistake?” Wahab was cited as saying this by Cricket Pakistan.
In addition to this, he brought up the problem of “favouritism” among the Pakistan team and suggested that age alone should not be the deciding factor in who makes the team.
“I am aware that Ramiz Bhai served as the most recent authority. The chief selector was obligated to speak with us, but in our society, you only communicate with those who are consistent in their agreement with you.
You don’t engage in conversation with the individuals who are capable of defending their position. There can be no room for favouritism under any circumstances. It is unfair to take players off the field and criticise them for being too old. If one’s age is a factor, then the regulation in question should apply uniformly to everyone “he added.
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