Wahab Riaz takes indefinite break from red-ball cricket

Senior Pakistan pacer Wahab Riaz, on Thursday, announced his decision of taking an indefinite break from the longest format of the game. The left-arm pacer said that he will be focussing on white-ball format after keeping his career in the red-ball format on hold for the time being. Wahab has also withdrawn from the revamped Quaid-e-Azam Trophy first-class tournament which kicks off from Saturday.

The 34-year-old insisted that he wanted to focus on regaining fitness levels required for the longer format. Wahab was not very active in Tests in recent times. The pacer, who made his Test debut way back in 2010, has played just four Tests since January 2017. His last appearance in the Test format was the first game in October 2018 against Australia in Dubai. He had failed to pick up any wicket in that game.

“After reviewing my past couple of years’ performances in red-ball cricket and the upcoming limited-overs cricket, I have decided to take time off from first-class cricket,” Wahab said.

“During this period, I will like to focus on 50-over and 20-over cricket and continue to access my fitness for the longer version of the game. At a stage I feel I can not only return but also perform with the red-ball, I would make myself available,” he added.

Wahab thanks Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB):

The veteran fast-bowler was quick to thank his cricket board for the support. Wahab Riaz insisted that the PCB had been trying to convince him to pursue his career with red-ball but were supportive of his final decision. “But today I met them to convey my decision. I am grateful for their understanding and support,” Wahab said.

Wahab last played for Pakistan in the World Cup. He was a surprising addition to the final squad as Pakistan had kept him out of their ODI side for around two years. Wahab was also not a part of Pakistan’s preliminary squad before making it to the final squad. Pakistan’s next assignment is the limited-overs series against Sri Lanka at home and Wahab will be hoping of a call.