Wahab Riaz narrowly missed out on becoming the head coach of Pakistan Shaheens, Express News citing reported Saturday. Wahab also turned down an offer to join the selection committee once again.
After his name circulated in the media for the role, Aaqib Javed withdrew his support.
Former cricketers Wahab Riaz, Umar Gul, and Imran Farhat were in the race for the role during Shaheens' England tour.
Initially, High Performance Director Aaqib Javed supported Wahab Riaz, believing no one could teach in-swing bowling better than him and that his guidance would benefit the players. However, Aaqib later withdrew his backing.
Sources reveal that Aaqib told Wahab that since his name had already surfaced in the media and the public response wasn't positive, he should step aside from the coaching role and instead accept a position as selector. Wahab refused, citing his past experience as chief selector, which, he said, wasn't pleasant.
He explained that a non-cricketer selector had undue influence, which led to repeated disagreements involving himself and Abdul Razzaq. Wahab expressed he no longer wished to be part of the selection committee.
Sources added that Wahab was displeased with Aaqib's U-turn, especially since there had been a verbal commitment made to him regarding the coaching position. Umar Gul, who had coached the Shaheens for the last three series, still has a valid contract with PCB, but this time Imran Farhat has been preferred.
Rehan Riaz will serve as bowling coach and Mohtashim Rasheed as fielding coach. Saud Shakeel has been appointed as captain. The team will play two three-day matches and three one-day matches against England Lions.
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