‘It definitely needs to improve’ – Wahab Riaz takes a dig at Pakistan’s selection policy

Pakistan cricket’s selection policy has been under the scanner recently as multiple cricketers, including Mohammad Amir and Junaid Khan, questioned their board. While Amir, who quit international cricket last year, claimed that the selectors tend to pick ‘underprepared’ youngsters, Junaid alleged that players close to the captain are benefited. Now, another left-arm pacer has questioned the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) selectors, and he’s none other than Wahab Riaz.

Wahab, who hasn’t been a part of the Pakistan team lately, took a dig at the selection policy and pointed out several improvements required for the betterment of the national team. The speedster claimed that the selectors haven’t been patient as they tend to drop players after just a few bad performances.  Riaz also opined that a player requires support in all circumstances to excel at the highest level.

In Pakistan, players are judged based on one or two performances: Wahab Riaz

“I think something that should be changed is that a player should not be judged based on just one or two matches. Not only with us but with anyone. It has been the norm in Pakistan that any player selected is judged based on one or two performances. I think the previous performances and hard work of the player should be kept in mind. Everyone has good and bad days. A player can give better performances if they are supported in both good and bad times. I think this is something that definitely needs to improve. Hopefully, it will be better with time,” Riaz told Cricket Pakistan.

The fast bowler further highlighted that proper communication has been lacking in Pakistan cricket. “Communication is very important. Players always have this question of why they were excluded. If an explanation is given and is based on reality then a player has to take them and work harder. It shouldn’t just be because of some excuses. I think a clear message and picture should be sent to players which can result in better performances,” the 35-year-old, who played his last international match last December, added.

Speaking of his exclusion from the national team, Riaz said that he talked with the chief selector after getting dropped but hinted that conversational wasn’t much fruitful. Nevertheless, the veteran pacer was assured that he’s still part of the system, and it would be interesting to see if Riaz again wears the green jersey or not. With the ICC T20 World Cup slated to take place later this year in India, the selectors might consider the pacer given his experience.