Pakistan fast bowler Wahab Riaz announces retirement from International Cricket

Wahab Riaz will continue to play franchise cricket around the world.

Pakistan’s left-arm pacer Wahab Riaz has announced his retirement from international cricket with immediate effect. Wahab will continue to play franchise cricket around the world in various T20 leagues. Part of Pakistan’s 2011, 2015, and 2019 World Cup squads, Wahab has been ignored from the national team’s selection in recent times. He last played an international game for Pakistan three years ago, in 2020. Away from international cricket, Wahab has been a crucial member of franchises around the world.

While announcing his retirement from International cricket, Wahab Riaz said, “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 is currently part of Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League and was part of the camp in the last season, which concluded in March this year.

Wahab Riaz also reveals that he has been thinking about retirement for the last two years. Wahab, in his statement, said, “I have been speaking about my retirement plans for the past two years; 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 Riaz is currently serving as Advisor to the Punjab (Pakistan) Chief Minister for Youth and Sports Matters. Earlier, he was appointed Caretaker Minister in the Punjab government.

Wahab Riaz has played 27 tests, 91 ODIs, and 36 T20I games for Pakistan in his 15-year career. He made his international debut against Zimbabwe in February 2008. He picked up 83 Test wickets, 120 ODI wickets, and 34 T20I wickets in his international career. Wahab delivered a magical spell against Australian all-rounder Shane Watson in the 2015 World Cup quarterfinal at Adelaide Cricket Ground. He troubled Watson with his bouncers, and that spell was etched in the memories of cricket fans.

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