Wahab Riaz Announces Retirement From International Cricket, To Continue Playing Franchise Cricket
Published - 16 Aug 2023, 02:41 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 09:41 AM
Pakistan fast-bowler Wahab Riaz, on Wednesday (August 16), announced his retirement from international cricket. And while he will not play international cricket anymore, he will continue playing his trade in franchise cricket.
The left-arm pacer made his debut for Pakistan in 2008 when he played an ODI against Zimbabwe. In the same year, he made his T20I debut. And two years later, he made his debut in the Test when he made it to the Pakistan team for the tour of England. He picked up a five-wicket haul in his debut Test innings.
Wahab Riaz hogged the limelight once again in 2011 when he picked up a five-wicket haul against India during the World Cup semifinal. Pakistan, however, ended up on the losing side. He was also a part of the Pakistan team for the 2015 World Cup and enjoyed a memorable campaign. During the game against Zimbabwe, he scored 54 not out of 46 balls and took 4 wickets to earn the Man of the Match award.
His aggressive performance against eventual winners Australia in the quarterfinal made the entire cricketing fraternity heap praise on him. Wahab Riaz also played in the 2019 World Cup and has retired from international cricket as Pakistan???s second-highest wicket-taker in the tournament. Only the legendary Wasim Akram is ahead of him on the list.
Wahab Riaz announces retirement:
Wahab Riaz took to X (formerly Twitter) to announce his decision of retiring from international cricket. He released a statement where he revealed that he was thinking about hanging his boots for the last couple of years.
???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 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,??? he added.
? Stepping off the international pitch
? After an incredible journey, I've 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 of franchise???
Wahab Riaz has ended his international career after representing Pakistan in 27 Tests, 91 ODIs, and 36 T20Is. He picked up 83 wickets in Tests, 120 in ODIs, and 34 wickets in T20Is. He last played for Pakistan in 2020 while his last competitive cricket appearance came earlier this year for Peshawar Zalmi in PSL 2023.
