Wahab Riaz Retirement : On Wednesday, left-arm fast bowler Wahab Riaz made his international cricket retirement official.
Wahab, who serves as a sports adviser to the Punjab interim government, announced his retirement from international cricket on social media platform X (previously Twitter) on Monday. “Stepping off the international pitch, after an incredible journey, I’ve decided to retire from international cricket,” Wahab wrote.
He expressed his gratitude to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), his family, teammates, coaches, mentors, and “everyone who supported me.”
There are “exciting times ahead in the world of franchise cricket,” he declared.
Wahab played for Pakistan in 27 Tests, 91 ODIs, and 36 T20Is until retiring in 2020, according to ESPNcricinfo.
He recorded 83 Test wickets at an average of 34.50, 120 ODI wickets at 34.30, and 34 T20I wickets at 28.55. His most recent team was Peshawar Zalmi, which competed in the Pakistan Super League in 2023.
Additionally, Wahab was quoted by ESPNcricinfo as saying in a press release: “I have been speaking about my retirement plans for the 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 that I could have.”
He referred to it as a “honour and a privilege” to represent Pakistan on a global level.
As I say goodbye to this chapter, I’m excited to start a new journey in franchise cricket, where I hope to inspire and amuse spectators while facing off against some of the best players in the world, he said.
Wahab was questioned about the prospect of becoming a coach in the future at a press conference later that day in Lahore.
He stated that although the PCB would have the last say, he would “love” to train younger players. He claimed that if an opportunity arose in Pakistan or elsewhere, he would take it because he had gained valuable experience over the course of his career that he wanted to “transfer” to younger players.
In addition, he claimed that his choice to stop playing international cricket was “realistic” and not “emotional.”
“I have faith in reality. I believe it would be unfair for me to play in the team given the calibre of bowlers the Pakistani team have. As a result, he argued, this was not an emotional choice.
