"Knew well that Wahab was not capable of delivering in any capacity" - Sarfaraz Nawaz reacts to PCB sacking 2 selectors

Former Pakistan paceman Sarfaraz Nawaz has revealed that he adviced Zaka Ashraf and Mohsin Naqvi against hiring Wahab Riaz as the selector of the men's cricket team. The former elite fast bowler said he knew Riaz was not capable of doing the job.

With Pakistan delivering a disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup 2024, the PCB sacked both Riaz and Abdul Razzaq from the selection panel, making an official announcement on Wednesday (July 10). The former cricketer joined the selection panel in November 2023.

Speaking to a local news outlet, Nawaz lamented that no one paid heed to his advice about appointing Riaz as the selector. He said:

"I am on record to have written letters to Zaka and Naqvi regarding Wahab’s suspected past and his lack of abilities as an administrator. Nobody paid heed to my suggestion. I knew well that Wahab was not capable of delivering in any capacity yet he was made selector, advisor and manager. On all fronts, he failed."

After being sacked, Riaz took to his official account on X and said he had a lot to say but didn't want to get involved in a blame game. In a lengthy statement, he thanked the stakeholders for their support and wished Pakistan Cricket the best.

"Babar Azam is low in confidence" - Sarfaraz Nawaz picks his choice for white-ball captain

With Babar Azam's future as captain highly uncertain after poor results in his second stint, the 75-year-old feels Mohammad Rizwan is the capable successor. Nawaz explained:

"Rizwan has proved his captaincy credentials by helping KPK win all domestic events in the past while his performance as Multan Sultans’ captain has been consistent over the years. He is the best choice for the job. Babar Azam is low in confidence and should not be considered for the job."

Pakistan's next assignment is a two-Test series against Bangladesh in August.