Another blow to Wahab Riaz as PCB axes him from manager's role

PCB removed Riaz, and Razzaq earlier today citing that services of both former players ‘will no longer be required'

In another pivotal move towards PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi's pledged 'major surgery' in the Pakistan cricket team, former fast bowler Wahab Riaz has been dismissed from his position as senior team manager, merely hours after his removal from the selection committee.

According to sources, this decision comes as part of a broader restructuring plan by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), aimed at bringing new personnel into the management team ahead of the upcoming series against Bangladesh.

Reportedly, Mansoor Rana, who also served in a managerial capacity, will no longer be retained. The decision to remove both Riaz and Rana allegedly stems from complaints and behavioural concerns.

Wahab Riaz had been serving as a senior team manager during tours to Ireland and England, as well as the T20 World Cup. The PCB is expected to announce a new management team shortly, marking a fresh start for the national squad.

Pakistan's early exit from the tournament, failing to advance past the group stages, prompted the PCB's reevaluation of its selection strategy. "It has notified Abdul Razzaq and Wahab Riaz that their services will no longer be required in the national selection committee setup," stated the PCB in a press release.

Razzaq had roles in both the men’s and women’s selection committees, whereas Riaz was involved only with the men’s team. The PCB assured that further details regarding the new composition of the selection committee would be disclosed shortly.

The committee still includes notable figures such as Mohammad Yousuf, Asad Shafiq, and Bilal Afzal, the team's data analyst, alongside the head coaches and captains of various formats.

Following Pakistan’s disappointing performance during the T20 World Cup, PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi indicated that the national team will undergo major changes.