Pakistan bowler Wahab Riaz retires from International Cricket on August 16 and ends a 15-year-long cricket career. However, the 38-year-old will continue playing franchise cricket.
Wahab Riaz Retires from International Cricket
Riaz made his ODI and T20I debut in 2008, meanwhile, his first Test appearance came in 2010. His last game for the national team was a T20 match against New Zealand at Seddon Park on December 20, 2020.
In his last international match, Riaz bowled a single over and gave 19 runs and failed to bag a single wicket for the team where Pakistan lost the match by 9 wickets. Notably, he was appointed as the caretaker Sports Minister of Pakistan’s Punjab Province in January this year.
Taking to Twitter, the left-hander announced his decision to bid adieu to international cricket and thanked everyone associated with him in his journey.
Wahab Riaz Retirement Statement
“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!” Wahab tweeted.
🏏 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 (@WahabViki) August 16, 2023
Wahab revealed that he has been thinking about his retirement for the past two 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.
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 said in a detailed statement.
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Apart from playing for the national team, Wahab Riaz featured in many teams for various league tournaments all around the world which includes – Kent, Ruhuna Royals, Pakistan All-Star XI, Chittagong Kings, Lahore Lions, Surrey, Rangpur Riders, Peshawar Zalmi, Essex, Barbados Royals, Benoni Zalmi, Kowloon Cantons, Derbyshire, Pakistan A, Kandahar Knights, Northern Warriors, Comilla Victorians, Brampton Wolves, Cape Town Blitz, Dhaka Platoon, Team Green, Kandy Tuskers, Trent Rockets, Saint Lucia Kings, Deccan Gladiators, Jaffna Kings, Northern Superchargers, New York Strikers, Galle Gladiators, Khulna Tigers, Colombo Strikers.
