Pakistan fast bowler Wahab Riaz has announced his retirement from international cricket. However, the 38-year-old player said that he will continue to play franchise cricket.
After making his debut in 2008, Wahab Riaz has represented Pakistan in the 2011, 2015 and 2019 World Cups. He took a total of 237 international wickets in 27 Tests, 91 ODIs and 36 T20Is. He last played for Pakistan in December 2020.
Wahab Riaz said in a media statement, ‘It is an honor and a privilege to represent Pakistan on the international stage. I am about to start a new chapter of my career in franchise cricket and I am very excited about it. Hope to entertain and inspire the audience’.
Wahab made his international debut for Pakistan in an ODI against Zimbabwe in February 2008. His memorable performances include his five-wicket haul against India in Mohali in the 2011 World Cup semi-final and his fiery spell of fast bowling to Shane Watson against Australia in the 2015 World Cup quarter-final.
Regarding retirement, Wahab Riaz said, ‘I have been talking about my retirement plans for the past two years and have set a target to retire from international cricket in 2023 itself. I feel more comfortable now than ever that I have tried my best to serve my country and national team’.
Wahab took an indefinite break from Test cricket in 2019 to focus on limited-overs cricket and has now finally bid farewell to the international arena.
(August 17/SI)