Cricket

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.

Pakistan cricket captain Babar Azam's frustration with former pacer Wahab Riaz has become a viral sensation on social media. The incident occurred during a six-hitting challenge between Pakistan's senior men's cricket team and its support staff.Riaz, who is the chief selector of the Pakistan men's cricket team but not part of the support staff, requested Babar to allow him to bat during the contest. However, the skipper visibly displayed his annoyance. Azhar Mahmood, Pakistan's head coach for the recently-concluded New Zealand T20I series, intervened and pushed Riaz away.The video of the incident, shared by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on April 25, has sparked discussions about the dynamics within the team. Some have speculated that Babar's frustration may stem from Riaz's role as chief selector, while others have suggested that it could be a reflection of the competitive nature of the challenge.Meanwhile, Pakistan's T20I squad has been in impressive form, with skipper Babar Azam leading the charge. In the recently concluded fifth and final T20I against New Zealand, Azam scored a solid half-century (69 off 44 balls), while spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi claimed four wickets (4-30). Pakistan ultimately emerged victorious by nine runs, squaring the series at 2-2.The series provided both teams with valuable preparation for the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup, which will be held in the United States and the West Indies in June. While Pakistan may be disappointed not to have secured a series win against a depleted New Zealand side, the visitors gained confidence from their bench strength.

Pakistan's Wahab Riaz Requests Six-Hitting Contest, Coach IntervenesFormer Pakistan fast bowler Wahab Riaz recently made a lighthearted request to current captain Babar Azam, asking to participate in a six-hitting competition before the fourth T20I against New Zealand. The request, captured in a video shared on Pakistan Cricket's official social media account, drew a chuckle from Azam and the team.However, Pakistan's head coach Azhar Mahmood stepped in to remind Riaz that management was not permitted to join the contest. Undeterred, Riaz quipped, "I would've hit bigger sixes."The video highlights the camaraderie between the former and current players of the Pakistan cricket team. Riaz's request, though denied, served as a reminder of his competitive spirit and the close bond he shares with the team.Injury Woes for Pakistan Ahead of Fourth T20IPakistan's preparations for the fourth T20I against New Zealand have been hampered by injuries to wicketkeeper Mohammed Rizwan and all-rounder Irfan Khan. Both players sustained hamstring injuries during the third match in Rawalpindi.The injuries are a significant blow to Pakistan, who are already without Azam Khan, who was ruled out before the series began due to a muscle tear. Haseebullah Khan, who was called up as a replacement, is expected to take on the wicketkeeping duties for the remaining two matches in Lahore.New Zealand Level Series with Victory in Third T20INew Zealand's second-string team emerged victorious in the third T20I by seven wickets, leveling the five-match series at 1-1. The first match of the series was abandoned after just two balls due to rain, while Pakistan won the second match by seven wickets.The fourth T20I will be played in Lahore on Friday, with the fifth and final match scheduled for Sunday. Pakistan will be looking to regain the lead in the series, while New Zealand will be aiming to secure their first series win in Pakistan since 2003.