Former Pakistan fast bowler and current chief selector Wahab Riaz came under intense scrutiny on Saturday for his subpar fielding performance during the ‘World Championship of Legends’ match against archrivals India in Birmingham.
Wahab Riaz, leading the Pakistan Champions side, was criticized by fans and pundits alike after dropping a straightforward catch in the closing stages of the match. Despite Pakistan Champions dominating with a massive total of 243/4, India Champions found themselves struggling at 169/9 in pursuit. In the final over bowled by Aamer Yamin, Anureet Singh lofted a ball high into the air. Riaz, positioned perfectly, failed to grasp the opportunity, resulting in heavy trolling across social media platforms.
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Pakistan cricket team chief selector and senior team manager for you. 🫡 pic.twitter.com/ECOsV01ofo
— Nawaz 🇵🇰 (@Rnawaz31888) July 7, 2024
The incident marred what was otherwise a significant victory for Pakistan Champions, securing a commanding 68-run win over Yuvraj Singh’s India Champions. Riaz, appointed head of Pakistan’s selection committee last November, faced criticism earlier for the team’s lackluster performance in the ICC T20 World Cup, where Pakistan failed to advance beyond the group stage under his tenure.
The Pakistan Cricket Board entrusted Riaz with the chief selector role following the resignation of Inzamam-ul-Haq amidst controversies over conflicts of interest. Despite his extensive experience in cricket, Riaz’s recent fielding mishap has sparked debates about his effectiveness in his dual role as selector and player. Critics argue that such lapses reflect poorly on his leadership and decision-making within the team.
As Pakistan cricket enthusiasts continue to debate Riaz’s dual responsibilities, the spotlight remains on whether he can steer the national team towards future successes amidst mounting challenges on and off the field.