PCB sacks Wahab, Razzaq as probe reveals Shaheen’s misbehave with coaches

Lahore: Following Pakistan's early exit from the T20 World Cup 2024, it has been reported that star bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has been misbehaving with the coaching staff and management, according to sources close to the matter on Tuesday.

An investigation is currently underway to determine why team managers, responsible for maintaining discipline, did not take action against Afridi despite his behavior.

This revelation comes after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) took recent measures, including dismissing Wahab Riaz and Abdul Razzaq from the selection committee, in response to the team's poor performance in the T20 World Cup 2024.

Abdul Razzaq was involved in both the men's and women's selection committees, while Wahab Riaz was a key member of the men's seven-member selection committee, even after being removed as the panel chief earlier this year.

In a statement, the PCB confirmed that Wahab and Razzaq had been informed that their services were no longer required. The board also confirmed the removal of team manager Mansoor Rana from his position.

The sources said that Wahab and Razzaq allegedly favored certain players, prompting PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi to remove them following an investigation. The sources mentioned that Wahab and Razzaq did not take action against underperforming players despite concerns from other committee members.

The PCB is also investigating the involvement of players in lobbying and any benefits gained from such activities.

Team coaches have reported to the PCB chairman about players' lack of seriousness and disciplinary issues during recent tours. Coaches have raised concerns about players speaking against each other and the impact of players' families on their focus and performance.

In response to his removal, Wahab Riaz denied allegations of pressuring the selection committee. "I don’t agree with the statements being made about pressure on the members of the selection committee," Wahab stated. He emphasized that all decisions were documented in the minutes of the meetings.

The PCB has retained Mohammad Yousuf, Asad Shafiq, and Bilal Afzal in the selection panel, which also includes the team captain and head coach.

According to the sources, a senior official had advised Wahab to accept responsibility for player selections and resign, but he refused, leading to his dismissal.

Wahab announced that he would issue a formal statement later in the day.