Wahab Riaz appointment as senior team manager raises eyebrows

LAHORE: In a surprising move that’s got the cricket world buzzing, Wahab Riaz has been appointed as the senior team manager for the Pakistan cricket team, a newly created position that raises eyebrows given Mansoor Rana’s current tenure as the team manager.

As a new and unique position has been created for him, the cricket circles are surprised that Wahab Riaz has been appointed as the senior manager in the presence of the team manager.

Sources say Riaz will be closely monitoring the selection policy during the New Zealand series, providing a rotation plan for each match. His input will be crucial in the playing eleven, and as a former chief selector, he’ll also oversee the workload of each player.

The home series will aim to maximize opportunities for a broad range of players, and it was reported that Riaz briefed the players on the selection policy for the New Zealand series in a meeting on Monday.

Read more: Wahab Riaz announces Pakistan Test squad for Australian tour

His role includes implementing a meticulous selection plan and monitoring the workload of each player. This could lead to a more data-driven approach to team selection and player management, potentially improving performance consistency and injury management.

Moreover, his influence in the playing eleven and his experience as a former chief selector could provide valuable insights into the team’s composition, ensuring that the selection aligns with the established policy. His appointment is part of a broader leadership overhaul following Pakistan’s subpar ODI World Cup campaign, indicating a move towards involving former players with fresh perspectives in cricketing matters.