Pakistan Players Unhappy With Chief Selector Wahab Riaz For Not Giving NOCs For Foreign Leagues - Reports

In what has been the latest development as per the reports in PTI, it is learned that Pakistan players are not happy with new chief selector Wahab Riaz. This comes after the former fast bowler has delayed issuing NOCs to players to play in the foreign leagues across the globe.

This has led to a small dispute between the players and Wahab Riaz. The reports suggested that the former fast bowler has made it clear to everyone that the priority of the contracted players should be to play for Pakistan. He also suggested that performances in domestic cricket will be the criteria for selection into the national team.

A source close to PCB stated: “(Chief selector) Wahab has made it clear to all centrally-contracted players that their first priority is to play for Pakistan and also insisted that anyone wanting to be considered for selection to the national team has to make appearances in domestic cricket.” 

Wahab Riaz also has suggested reportedly that players need to find a balance between Pakistan and franchise cricket as PCB wants them fit for the different assignments. This comes after chairman Zaka Ashraf blamed poor outings in the World Cup on previous chairman Najam Sethi. He stated that his decision to give NOCs to players to play in leagues ahead of the Asia Cup and World Cup led to the team’s poor performances in both tournaments.

The strictness by Wahab Riaz and chairman Zaka Ashraf hasn’t gone well with some players. They are eagerly waiting for the NOCs for the upcoming leagues including Big Bash League. Few of them including Haris Rauf have already signed the agreements with various leagues.

Imad Wasim decided to retire because of strictness by PCB – reports

The reports further added that Imad Wasim decided to retire from Pakistan cricket because he had already signed contracts with T10 and T20 leagues in the UAE, Australia and South Africa. For national selection, he needed to be in the domestic circuit but with the hectic schedule of foreign leagues, it’ll be tough for him.

The source added: “Imad and some other players are yet to be issued NOCs for the T10 league in Abu Dhabi while the board has also not taken a decision on issuing NOCs for the Big Bas Australia.”

It remains to be seen if the Pakistan players will get NOCs to play in the overseas league or not. The team will be next seen in action when they will take on Australia in the Test series, starting 14th December.