Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag has launched a scathing attack on Pakistan cricket, accusing chief selector Wahab Riaz of bias and favoritism. Riaz, a former Pakistan pacer, was appointed to the role in November 2022, coinciding with the return of veteran pacer Mohammad Amir to the national squad.
Amir, who played alongside Riaz, was part of Pakistan's squad for the ongoing T20 World Cup but failed to impress, leading to widespread criticism of the team's performance and selection decisions. Sehwag believes that Riaz's personal connection with Amir has influenced his selection.
"Wahab Riaz and Mohammad Amir, these are two names who criticized 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 on a Cricbuzz show.
"So the same persons who were criticizing, 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 (Zahir Khan)', I will facilitate your comeback'," he added.
Sehwag urged Pakistan selectors to prioritize the future of the team rather than personal connections. "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 said.
Pakistan's disappointing performance at the T20 World Cup has raised questions about the team's fitness and selection policies. Sehwag's comments have added fuel to the fire, highlighting the need for transparency and objectivity in the selection process.
Tags: #PakistanCricket, #WahabRiaz, #MohammadAmir, #VirenderSehwag, #T20WorldCup
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