Virender Sehwag accuses Pakistan chief selector Wahab Riaz of favouritism

Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag has accused Pakistan selector Wahab Riaz of practising favouritism while picking up the national squad. Riaz was appointed as thechief selector of the Pakistan national men's selection committee in November last year and immediately called up his colleague from the playing days, Mohammad Amir, back into the squad.

Sehwag pointed out that Amir had retired and was questioning the team on national TV but as soon as Wahab came into the picture, the left-arm pacer was on the flight to the US and West Indies to play in the T20 World Cup.

"Wahaz Riaz and Mohammad Amir are the two names who used to give their opinions on Pakistan TV news channels against their national team. Now one of them is a selector and the other is in playing XI. They were criticising the team once and now when they have come to power, what are they doing?" Sehwag said on Cricbuzz during a discussion.

"Amir has played with me so let's take him in the team.This can't be done," said the former India opener.

Trouble in Pakistan cricket

Sehwag cited the example of India chief selector Ajit Agarkar and how it would be unfair to the current crop of players if any of the retired players, including him, were preferred over the current crop of players.

"Now that Ajit Agarkar is the chairman of selectors for BCCI, he would say 'Come on Viru, I'll help you make a comeback into the team'. This is not done. You have to see the future. You have become a selector, you have a job in hand. Use it in the right way, don't do favours," said Sehwag.

Apart from player selection, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has come under heavy scrutiny for the captaincy saga. Pace bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi was removed as the T20I captain after only four months at the helm and Babar Azam was reappointed in his place.

Babar got the nod despite having led Pakistan to a disastrous group-stage exit at the 50-over World Cup in India last year. The decision to give the captaincy armband to Babar backfired yet againas Pakistan failed to progress to the Super 8at the T20 World Cup.

(With inputs from agencies)