by: Atika Mehboob TN Sport Pakistan:
Wahab Riaz, the chief selector of the Pakistan men’s cricket team, announced the removal of former cricketer Salman Butt from the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) selection committee. The decision came a day after Butt, along with Kamran Akmal and Rao Iftikhar Anjum, was appointed to the committee, sparking significant criticism.
Salman Butt, previously involved in a high-profile spot-fixing scandal for which he publicly apologized, faced backlash over his appointment to the selection committee. The move raised eyebrows, especially considering his ban from international cricket.
Addressing a press conference at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, Riaz explained, “I am reverting that decision, and I’ve already spoken to Salman Butt and told him that he cannot be a part of my team because I do not want that people link us in any way.”
Riaz acknowledged the public debate and controversy surrounding Butt’s appointment, emphasizing that he had consulted Butt as a cricketing mind and not as a member of any PCB panel. He clarified, “He was made my consultant only as far as taking his opinion is concerned on which some people and media houses are probably doing propaganda, trying to ruin affairs and linking me with it.”
Expressing gratitude to PCB chief Zaka Ashraf for allowing him to make recommendations for the selection committee, Riaz defended his decision, stating, “As the chief selector, I decide who will be the people working with me and who I will need the support of.”
Riaz addressed the accusations of nepotism and friendship-based favors, explaining that people were linking him and Butt, prompting today’s decision. He emphasized that Salman Butt’s past mistakes had already been paid for and that the sole reason for his appointment was his cricketing knowledge.
“I think it is very necessary for people to understand to move forward in life,” Riaz said, expressing his desire not to negatively impact the PCB with his decisions as a part of the organization.
