"Been an honour to serve as part of the selection panel" - Wahab Riaz responds after being sacked by PCB
Outgoing Pakistan chief selector Wahab Riaz has issued a statement in the wake of being sacked from his role by the PCB on Wednesday. The former speedster shared a lengthy statement alongside a caption that he doesn't want to play any sort of blame game.
With the men's team delivering a forgettable performance in T20 World Cup 2024, the PCB took strong action by sacking Riaz and Abdul Razzaq. The board released a statement, claiming that the duo's services were no longer required and that they would provide further explanation on the same later.
Sharing his statement on X, Riaz asserted that he feels privileged to have worked as a selector and gave his everything. The 39-year-old elaborated:
"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."
Before releasing this lengthy statement, Riaz said on X that he disagrees with rumours around adding pressure to the selection committee and vowed to unveil another statement.
"I am thankful to the people who have prayed for me" - Wahab Riaz
The veteran also underlined how much he loved working with Gary Kirsten and the other coaches. He remains confident that the next selection committee will make progressive decisions:
"Moreover, it was an honour to support Gary Kirsten & the coaching group as they set their vision for this team. 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."
"I am thankful to the people who have prayed for me. I wish nothing but success for the future of the Pakistan cricket team."
The PCB might look to appoint an interim selection committee for a few months.