Wahab Riaz, the fast bowler for Pakistan who played 15 years of international cricket, has declared his retirement. He will still play for a franchise, though. Wahab last competed in national colours in 2020 after playing for Pakistan in 27 Tests, 91 ODIs, and 36 T20Is. In Test cricket, he had 83 wickets with an average of 34.50, 120 in ODIs at 34.30, and 34 in T20Is at 28.55. In PSL 2023, he most recently played for Peshawar Zalmi.
Wahab has recently been interested in politics; in January of this year, he was appointed the interim minister of sports for the Punjab state of Pakistan. Wahab took 5/63 against England at The Oval, becoming the eighth Pakistani bowler in the country’s history to achieve a five-wicket haul on his or her debut.
In the quarterfinal of the 2011 World Cup in Mohali, Wahab again claimed a renowned five-wicket haul, albeit in a losing cause, against India. But for many, Wahab’s most illustrious period came during the 2015 World Cup quarterfinal when he terrified Australia’s hitters, especially Shane Watson, with an explosive blitz of short-pitch bowling.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to represent Pakistan” : Wahab Riaz
Wahab Riaz wrote on social media while announcing his retirement from International cricket. He said, “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 cricket!.”
He added, “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. 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.”
Fans react to Wahab Riaz announcing retirement from International cricket: –
Wahab Riaz retired from International cricket….!!!!!
He bowled one of the iconic spells in the World Cup against Australia in 2015.pic.twitter.com/5xmzDsMbCT
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) August 16, 2023
This spell was…???
— Neon Man (@NeonMan_01) August 16, 2023
A lot was wasted that day. Match was already lost but it was a very fiery spell
— yang goi (@GongR1ght) August 16, 2023
W for humanity
— User45 (@140off113) August 16, 2023
-Shoaib Akhtar's 100 MPH ball to Shane Watson.
-Wahab Riaz's Crazy Spell to Shane Watson.Le Watson- pic.twitter.com/g9JsxZDCmI
— The CrickFun (@TheCrickFun) August 16, 2023
Still Watson scored unbeaten half century and still Wahab got smashed for 6 rpo and still Australia won with 16 more overs left. ???
— Jaydev_kingkohli (@ViratizedBl0ke) August 16, 2023
so sad that Pakistan couldn't won the match. one dropped catch cost them. Australia on the other hand beat Pakistan in quarter finals and then India in the semifinals……
— Umer Farooq (@UmerUchiha) August 16, 2023
The highlight of wahab raiz career. Thanks for the memories. pic.twitter.com/FQsQ7euFXe
— Nomi ?? (@NomanAhmad27) August 16, 2023
You didn't say what happened after that ??
— Sheldon Kapoor?? (@ARB2512) August 16, 2023
