Whoever Performs Well Should Be Selected - Wahab Riaz 'Disappointed' On Being Excluded For England Tour

Senior Pakistan speedster Wahab Riaz is saddened by being overlooked by the national selectors for Pakistan’s tour to England and then West Indies, despite being impressive in the recently-concluded Pakistan Super League 2021.

Wahab Riaz, the captain of the Peshawar Zalmi, finished as the second leading wicket-taker of the tournament with 18 scalps at an economy of 8.97, and led his side to the finals, where they lost to Multan Sultans.

He feels he merited selection for the tout by displaying top form during the PSL 2021, but it wasn’t to be yet. The 36-year-old, however, remains hopeful of making it into the side by the time the T20 World Cup arrives.

“Obviously, I am disappointed at my exclusion from the England and WI tours after my recent performances. But criteria of selection is a question for the selection committee but I think whoever performs well should be selected,” Wahab Riaz was quoted as saying by PTI.

“They might have their reasons but as a senior performer I am disappointed at missing out. I have not given up hope of playing in the World T20 this year and I think senior players as long as they are fit and performing should be considered for selection,” he added.

Don’t know exactly what issue people have with senior players: Wahab Riaz

Wahab Riaz, who has represented Pakistan in 154 international matches and has taken 237 wickets in a decade-long career, believes that the selectors do have an issue in selecting senior players.

The likes of Mohammad Amir, who retired last December, and Shoaib Malik have been dropped from the side, and another senior in Imad Wasim was also shown the door in the interim.

“I don’t know exactly what issue people have with senior players. Perhaps youngsters listen to what is told to them, while seniors always have their own say in matters and you have to convince them,” he further stated.

Also Read: Drove To Somerset And Started Changing Nappies – Kane Williamson Shares His “Unique Way Of Celebrating” The WTC Victory