Tag: Wahab Riaz

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has cleared the air on former pacer Wahab Riaz’s role following the reports of his appointment as a consultant of the national women’s team.

The board’s spokesperson clarified that Wahab is currently working as a consultant with the board and is overseeing various departments.

Besides this, the 40-year-old has not been given any additional responsibilities, the spokesperson reiterated.

This comes after reports have emerged that he has been named as the consultant of Pakistan’s women’s team.

Currently, the women’s team is without a head coach after the conclusion of Muhammad Wasim’s tenure.

On Monday, November 3, PCB had officially parted ways with Muhammad Wasim, bringing an end to his tenure following a disappointing World Cup 2025 campaign.

The development was confirmed by the board on Monday through an official press release, stating that the search for a new head coach is already underway.

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“The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the completion of Mohammad Wasim’s tenure as Head Coach of the Pakistan National Women’s Cricket Team,” the statement read.

“The process to appoint a new head coach is currently underway, and the announcement regarding his successor will be made in due course,” it added.

Wasim’s departure comes on the back of a winless World Cup run, where Pakistan finished at the bottom of the points table.

The team lost four of their seven matches, while three fixtures were washed out due to rain.

Following the team’s early exit, speculation had been rife that the PCB was considering changes in the coaching setup to revamp the women’s cricket structure ahead of future assignments.

In its statement, the PCB reiterated its long-term commitment to developing the women’s game in the country.

“The PCB remains committed to strengthening women’s cricket in Pakistan and ensuring the team receives the best possible support to achieve continued success on the international stage,” the board said.

Notably, Muhammad Wasim was appointed as the women’s team head coach ahead of the ACC Women’s Asia Cup in June 2024.

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ANTIGUA: Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir has achieved a 400-wicket milestone during the seventh fixture of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2025. 

The left-arm pacer, who is representing Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) in the tournament, dismissed Fabian Allen to reach the 400 T20 wickets milestone against Antigua and Barbuda Falcons at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound, on Wednesday.

With this feat, Amir etched his name into Pakistan’s history books by becoming the second pacer to achieve this feat.

Mohammad Amir reached the milestone in his 343rd match, and with his achievement, he now sits in ninth place on the all-time wicket takers list in the shorter format of the game.

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Wahab Riaz is currently leading the wickets chart for Pakistan in T20,with 413 wickets to his name in 348 matches.

Leading Wicket Takers in T20 cricket for Pakistan

Wahab Riaz 348 matches 413 wickets

Mohammad Amir 343 matches 400 wickets*

Sohail Tanvir 388 matches 389 wickets

Imad Wasim 405 matches 375 wickets

Shahid Afridi 329 matches 347 wickets

The 33-year-old pacer returned with the figures four for 31 in his quota of four overs as his team ended on the losing side.

Put into bat first in the seventh fixture of CPL 2025, Antigua and Barbuda Falcons scored 167-6 in their allocated 20 overs.

Skipper Imad Wasim and Fabian Allen were the notable contributors as the former made an unbeaten 39 from 27, whereas the latter quick-fire 45-run knock from just 20 balls ensured that their team reached a winning total.

In reply, Antigua and Barbuda Falcons fell eight runs short of the target despite veteran Kieron Pollard’s blitz.

Antigua and Barbuda Falcons could only manage to score 159-6  in their 20 overs with Pollard demonstrating a vintage display, smashing four sixes and three fours in his knock of 43 from 28 deliveries.

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Pakistan Champions have announced the experienced pace attack for the World Championship of Legends (WCL), scheduled to take place from July 18 to August 2, 2025.

The league will be held in England, with the franchise announcing the inclusion of experienced pacers Wahab Riaz, Sohail Tanvir, Rumman Raees, and Sohail Khan.

The franchise announced the arrival of the Pacers via social media handles.

“Raw pace, Relentless aggression, left-arm angle, right-arm fire they’re coming in hot. This trio isn’t here to bowl… they’re here to dominate,” the post read.

 

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The quartet has extensive experience, having played 1,004 T20 matches overall and taken a total of 1,115 wickets.

Apart from pacers, explosive left-handed batter Sharjeel Khan is also retained for the second edition of WCL.

Sharjeel Khan was pivotal in Pakistan Champions’ success in the last edition. He was the second-highest run-getter in the tournament, amassing 221 runs in seven matches at a healthy average of 31.57 with an impressive strike rate of 193.85.

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“You blink, and you miss a SIX,” the franchise captioned the post. “Sharjeel Khan is back to set the tone from ball one in #WCLSeason2. How many sixes do you see him hitting in Season 2?” Pakistan Champions announced the southpaw’s arrival in a social media post.

 

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For the unversed, the WCL 2025 will be contested across four English venues: Edgbaston (Birmingham), County Ground (Northampton), Grace Road (Leicester), and Headingley (Leeds).

Six teams, India, Pakistan, Australia, England, South Africa, and the West Indies, will face off in a round-robin format, with the top four teams qualifying for the semi-finals.

The upcoming edition marks the second installment of the WCL, following the inaugural tournament held in 2024, where the Indian team, led by the legendary Yuvraj Singh, emerged as champions.

During the inaugural season, Younis Khan-led Pakistan were among the standout teams, producing dominant performances throughout the group stage.

Despite a spirited effort, Pakistan Champions fell just short in the final against arch-rivals India. After setting a target of 157, they couldn’t prevent India from chasing it down with five wickets and five balls to spare.

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Veteran Pakistan batter Umar Akmal has made a fresh revelation about his attempts to return to the national setup, highlighting the reaction of former chief selector Wahab Riaz to his availability.

In an interview with a private TV channel, Akmal claimed that when he reached out to Wahab about a potential comeback, he was met with a surprising counter-question.

“I keep saying that I want to play, and I’m being asked if I appeared in trials,” Umar said.
“Wahab Riaz asked me, ‘Have you played trial matches?’ I was like, ‘What are you talking about?’ I told him that I am available,” he revealed

The right-hander, who last played for Pakistan in 2019 during a home series against Sri Lanka, expressed disappointment at being asked to go through trial matches, especially given his experience—16 Tests, 121 ODIs, and 84 T20Is for the country.

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It’s worth noting that recently, in another interview, Umar Akmal reignited his past criticism of Waqar Younis, revealing the kind of treatment he received even after performing well.

“I once scored a century in a Test match, and instead of being appreciated, Waqar bhai said, ‘You’ve started playing T20 cricket in Tests,’” he shared.

He added that after being dismissed in the second innings of that match, Waqar sarcastically commented, “Where’s your T20 cricket now?”

Akmal said remarks like these were disheartening and left a lasting impact on his confidence as a young cricketer.

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Former cricketer Wahab Riaz issued a statement after he was removed as the national men’s selector and senior team manager on Wednesday.

In a statement released on all of his social media handles, Wahab expressed his gratitude for serving as a part of the selection committee while highlighting that he has a lot to say but does not want to be a part of “blame games”.

“There is alot I can say but I don’t want to be part of the blame games,” wrote Wahab in the caption of his social media post, featuring his statement.

“My time serving as a member of selection committee for PCB comes to an end, I just want my people to know that I have served the game I love with faith and sincerity and have given 100 percent for the betterment of Pakistan cricket.

“It has been an honour to serve as part of the selection panel. To make collaborative decisions as part of the seven-man panel to select the national team was a privilege – everyone’s vote carried equal weight, we made selection decisions as a team & shared the responsibility of that process equally,” he added.

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Wahab Riaz then went on to express his confidence that the national team, under Gary Kirsten’s coaching, will foster into a dominant force.

“It was an honour to contribute my part to that. Moreover, it was an honour to support Gary Kirsten & the coaching group as they set their vision for this team,” stated Wahab.

“I am confident that the team plans the coaches have put together will ensure this team continues to grow into a dominant force as we move forward and I wish them the best of luck on that journey,” he added.

“I am thankful to the people who have prayed for me. I wish nothing but success for the future of the Pakistan cricket team,” he concluded.

Earlier today, Wahab Riaz denied the reports that suggested he was, alongside team manager Mansoor Rana were sacked owing to the bad discipline and dressing room atmosphere in the team during the recent series as well as the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.

“I don’t agree with the statements being discussed about adding pressure to the members of the selection committee, how can 1 vote dominate 6? Everything is documented on record in the meeting minutes,” Wahab posted.

“I will be issuing my statement today evening.”

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Former cricketers Mansoor Rana and Wahab Riaz have been removed from their positions as team manager and senior manager of the Pakistan men’s cricket team respectively, sources claimed.

Both managers were sacked owing to the bad discipline and dressing room atmosphere in the team during the recent series as well as the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.

The shakeup in the national men’s team’s selection committee is a part of the “major surgery”, hinted at by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

Wahab Riaz was also expelled from the seven-member Pakistan Men’s Cricket Selection Committee yesterday, along with former cricketer Abdul Razzaq.

Following Pakistan’s two consecutive defeats in the recently concluded ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, PCB Chairman Naqvi hinted at a major surgery in the team.

Addressing a press conference in New York on June 10, after Pakistan’s gut-wrenching defeat to India, Naqvi said the defeat was disappointing in every way.

“It seemed that a minor surgery would suffice for the Pakistan cricket team, but after the extremely poor performance, it has become clear that the team needs major surgery,” the PCB chairman said.

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He went on to add that he was well aware of what was happening within the team and the reasons for the defeat.

The PCB Chairman mentioned that Pakistani cricket is currently at its lowest performance level. Our biggest challenge is to improve the team’s performance.

“The nation will soon see a major surgery taking place. We have to prepare the team for the Champions Trophy, and it is time to give opportunities to the talent sitting outside,” stated the PCB chief.

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Former cricketers Wahab Riaz and Abdul Razzaq have been expelled from the seven-member Pakistan Men’s Cricket Selection Committee, sources claimed.

The shakeup in the national men’s team’s selection committee is a part of the “major surgery”, hinted at by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

With Wahab Riaz and Abdul Razzaq’s expulsion, the selection committee now features Asad Shafique and Mohammad Yousuf, who, are most likely to lose their positions too as the formation of the new selection committee is on the cards.

Following Pakistan’s two consecutive defeats in the recently concluded ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, PCB Chairman Naqvi hinted at a major surgery in the team.

Addressing a press conference in New York on June 10, after Pakistan’s gut-wrenching defeat to India, Naqvi said the defeat was disappointing in every way.

“It seemed that a minor surgery would suffice for the Pakistan cricket team, but after the extremely poor performance, it has become clear that the team needs major surgery,” the PCB chairman said.

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He went on to add that he was well aware of what was happening within the team and the reasons for the defeat.

The PCB Chairman mentioned that Pakistani cricket is currently at its lowest performance level. Our biggest challenge is to improve the team’s performance.

“The nation will soon see a major surgery taking place. We have to prepare the team for the Champions Trophy, and it is time to give opportunities to the talent sitting outside,” stated the PCB chief.

Earlier today, Mohsin Naqvi met white-ball head coach Gary Kirsten, red-ball head coach Jason Gillespie, and assistant coach Azhar Mahmood. He also held a meeting with the former and current cricketers to discuss the future of cricket.

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Legendary Indian opener Virender Sehwag heavily criticised Pakistan men’s team’s selector Wahab Riaz and accused him of favouritism.

Sehwag’s accusation of Wahab came in the wake of Mohammad Amir’s return to international cricket which eventually saw him representing the national team yet another T20 World Cup.

However, Amir’s comeback did not bring fortune to the Green Shirts as they suffered a group-stage exit for the first time.

Meanwhile, Virender Sehwag was irked by the fact that both Wahab Riaz and Mohammad Amir, who previously criticised the team on national television, are now part of the setup.

“Wahab Riaz and Mohammad Amir, these are two names who criticised the Pakistan team on the same TV channel, giving their comments…Today, one of them is a selector [Riaz] and one is in the playing eleven [Amir],” Sehwag said.

“So the same persons who were criticising, if today they have power, became the selector, what have they done first up? ‘Mohammad Amir was with me, let’s select him’. It’s like if Ajit Agarkar is chairman (of BCCI selection committee) today, he will say ‘come Viru, come Zak (Zaheer Khan)’, I will facilitate your comeback,” Sehwag added.

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Virender Sehwag then advised Pakistan selectors to focus on the team’s future and also to avoid favouritism.

“You have become a selector, you have to look at the future. You have a job, make the right use of it, don’t do favours. That hard step selectors will have to take,” he concluded.

It is worth mentioning here that Pakistan, the former champions, were knocked out of the group stage of the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 as a result of gut-wrenching defeats against the co-host United States of America (USA) and arch-rivals India.

The back-to-back defeats put Pakistan on the verge of an early exit and they then needed the USA to lose their remaining matches.

However, the abandonment of a crucial Group A fixture between USA and Ireland marked the end of Pakistan’s journey in T20 World Cup 2024 despite their triumphs over Canada and Ireland.

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Former Pakistan pacer and national selector Wahab Riaz reacted to former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja’s remarks about left-arm pacer Mohammad Amir.

Pakistan’s newly-constituted seven-member selection committee announced a 17-member squad for the five-match home T20I series against New Zealand which saw the return of Amir.

Explaining Amir’s selection, Riaz highlighted the valuable experience Amir possesses and also his recent performances in the franchise league cricket including the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

“Going forward, we have a lot of injury-prone players and Amir’s performance is also in front of everyone.

“PSL is one of the best tournaments from where you select players, especially for T20s, and if somebody is available, we should only take into account their performance and Amir is one of those choices.

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Wahab Riaz then went on to term Ramiz Raja’s statement regarding Mohammad Amir as “exceedingly harsh” but acknowledged the freedom of speech.

“Ramiz Raja’s remark regarding Mohammad Amir is exceedingly harsh and carries a distinctly negative connotation, yet everyone retains the freedom to voice their opinions,” stated Riaz.

Earlier, former Pakistan captain and renowned commentator did not mince his words while lashing out at Amir’s return to international cricket, stating once a player was involved in fixing should not be brought back.

“My opinion on this is very simple. While sympathy may exist for him [Amir], in my book there is no forgiveness. If God forbid my son was to engage in such actions, I would disown him,” Raja said on a local news channel.

“I remember the time when these players did fixing because I was doing commentary at Lord’s. People hated me because I was being identified with the fixers, in their opinion, and I can never forget the criticism we faced on media,” he added.

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LAHORE: Mohsin Naqvi, the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), on Sunday announced a seven-member National Cricket Selection Committee.

During a press conference, Naqvi announced the reorganised selection committee, with each member having equal powers and no chairman of the committee.

“We have reorganised this selection committee, the committee will consist of seven members, but what is different this time is there will be no chairman selection committee, each member would have the same power as the other one,” Naqvi said.

The former chairman Wahab Riaz is joined by former cricketers Abdul Razzaq, Wahab Riaz and Asad Shafiq in the selection committee. Meanwhile, the captain, head coach and an analyst will also be part of the committee.

“The decision would be [decided] on the majority, they should debate, and talk amongst themselves so a better conclusion can be reached.

“The previous structure of the committee was different, but this one, I assure you every member was chosen after considering multiple factors.

“The selection committee will make all the decisions going forward. I have conveyed that the chairman will not be involved in any decisions regarding the selection.

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“I back this selection committee and believe that they will produce desirable results”

He also announced that the committee would also be responsible for the appointment of the captain.

“The matter of captaincy is being deliberated upon. I believe that the captain is the selection committee’s prerogative,” said Mohsin Naqvi.

“They are working on it and I am sure they will finalise their decision after the camp is completed.”

“I am not a cricket expert, the people sitting next to me are experts. Decisions regarding cricket will be made by cricket experts.”

Notably, PCB dissolved the National Cricket Selection Committee earlier today.

The development came after sources revealed on March 18 that the PCB will further empower the committee with full authority.

The first assignment of the new selection committee is to select the squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand, commencing on 18 April.

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