Lahore, Nov 17 (IANS): Former Pakistan fast-bowler Wahab Riaz has been appointed as the new chief selector of the national men’s selection committee, said the country’s cricket governing body (PCB). He steps into the role which was left after Inzamam-ul-Haq stepped down from the position amid conflict-of-interest allegations.

Riaz’s first assignment will be the selection of the Pakistan squad for the three-match Test tour of Australia from December 14 to January 7, followed by the five-match T20I series in New Zealand from January 12 to 21. He retired from international cricket in August this year.

“I am honoured to assume the role of chairperson for the national men's selection committee, and I extend my gratitude to the Chairman of the PCB Management Committee, Mr Zaka Ashraf, for entrusting me with this responsibility. The decision to involve former players in cricketing matters is commendable and I am willing to work for the betterment of Pakistan cricket.”

“Heading a selection committee is a challenging task. We have a significant Australia tour coming up that is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle and a T20I series against New Zealand that will allow us to develop a formidable unit leading up to the ICC T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies in June next year,” said Riaz in a PCB statement.

Wahab, who made his international debut in 2008, represented Pakistan in 27 Tests, 91 ODIs and 36 T20Is picking up 237 wickets and scoring 1200 runs across the three formats. He was Pakistan’s second-most successful bowler in World Cups, registering 35 wickets across three editions of the marquee event.

“I have a good rapport with the Pakistan Men’s Team Director Mohammad Hafeez, and we will be working closely for the success of Pakistan cricket. My primary goal would be to give weightage to the top performers in domestic cricket and announce well-rounded squads equipped with the necessary skill sets. I will always be available to the players for feedback and advice,” he added.