Like many others in recent times, Pakistan pacer Wahab Riaz has also announced retirement from international cricket. The left-arm pacer will concentrate on playing franchise cricket across the globe. Wahab, known as a fighter due to tremendous grit finishes Pakistan career by playing 27 Tests, 91 ODIs, and 36 T20Is.
Wahab took to Twitter and shared a heartfelt post thanking Pakistan Cricket Board, family, coaches, teammates, and fans.
“Stepping off the international pitch. After an incredible journey, I have decided to retire from international cricket. Big thank you to PCB, my family, coaches, mentors, teammates, fans, and everyone who supported me. Exciting times ahead in the World franchise cricket.”
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“I have been speaking about my retirement plans past two years, that 2023 is my target to retire from International cricket, and I feel comfortable now more than ever that I have served my country and National team to the best I could have,” Wahab said in a press statement. “It has been an honor and a privilege to represent Pakistan on the international stage.
“As I bid farewell to this chapter, I am thrilled to embark on a new adventure in franchise cricket, where I hope to entertain and inspire audiences while competing against some of the best talents in the world.”
Wahab made his international debut in 2008 for Pakistan against Zimbabwe. The same year later, the T20I debut followed against Bangladesh in April. After two years, the left-arm pacer broke into the Test team. Among all three formats, the Pakistani pacer excelled in ODIs the most. Old workhorse is how his teammates described him as he had the ability to bowl longer spells, maintaining consistent lines and lengths.
During the semifinal of the ODI World Cup against India, Riaz was one of the shining lights for Pakistan as he picked up five wickets and helped bundle India out for 260. His ball to dismiss Yuvraj Singh was a left-hand bowler’s delight – a perfect late inswinger Yorker.
But undoubtedly, Riaz’s finest spell came in the 2015 World Cup against Australia, wherein he made Shane Waston gasp for breath by bowling bouncers. It was the finest spell in the 2015 WC.
However, with age not supporting him, Riaz hung his boots. For the uninitiated, the former Pakistan player has also joined politics, as he has been named caretaker sports minister of the Punjab Province.
Wahab Riaz: What next for former Pakistani pacer Wahab Riaz?
Like a few Pakistani players, Riaz is also keen to play in franchise leagues around the globe. With T20 expanding its horizons in the USA, The pacer is keen to use his experience for the teams. Currently, Riaz plays CPL, BPL LPL, and County cricket in England.
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