Wahab Riaz removes Salman Butt as his consultant a day after ex-captain's appointment in PCB selection committee

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Wahab Riaz, the chief selector of Pakistan cricket team, has removed Salman Butt from his role as consultant in the PCB selection committee. The former Pakistan captain was appointed as consultant to chief selector Wahab Riaz on Friday.

Wahab Riaz called a press conference at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday, December 2, and informed the media of the decision before slamming them for trying to taint his and PCB's image.

Notably, there was a lot of public debate and backlash after the appointment of Salman Butt who played a key role in the infamous 2010 spot-fixing scandal. He was banned by the PCB for his role alongside Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif.

“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," Wahab Riaz said.

“I firstly want to clarify that he is not on any PCB panel. Secondly, he is a good cricketing mind who understands cricket and has been covering domestic cricket for the past two to three years.

“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," he added.

Wahab Riaz, who announced his international retirement earlier this year, said he was thankful to PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf for giving him the freedom to go ahead with his recommendations for the selection committee.

“As the chief selector, I decide who will be the people working with me and who I will need the support of,” he said.

The 38-year-old also made it clear that he took the decision to remove Butt as fans and media were linking him and the former southpaw and accusing him of nepotism and friendship-based favours. However, he opined that Salman Butt has paid for his mistakes and should be allowed to move forward in life.

“There is no one else’s pressure. It was my decision and I am reverting it I think it is very necessary for people to understand to move forward in life.”