DUBAI: Wahab Riaz earned a special place in the hearts of cricket fans around the world after his fiery spell to Australia's Shane Watson in the 2015 World Cup quarter final.

But former pace great Wasim Akram has urged Wahab to move on from that 'one over' if he is to be considered a leader of Pakistan's fast bowling attack.

In the recently concluded New Zealand series, Wahab took five wickets in three T20s at an economy rate of 9.72. In two ODIs, he picked up two wickets at a rate of 6.32 and he was easily upstaged by Mohammad Amir in his comeback series.

“Wahab Riaz has got speed but he is short of swing,” said Wasim while talking to Khaleej Times.

“He should keep in mind that he can’t dwell on one good over at the 2015 World Cup. He needs to sort out problems if he harbours any hopes to be among first choices for Pakistan,” added the former great.

While Wasim was full of suggestions for Wahab, he was satisfied with the way Amir fared in New Zealand.

“Mohammed Amir has bowled well but he needs some time to get into his groove. I am sure he will be back to his best after having some international matches under his belt since he is quite young (only 24),” said the World Cup winner.

Pakistan to be stronger at World T20

Wasim said despite Pakistan's dismal show in New Zealand, Shahid Afridi's team along with India and Sri Lanka would be favourites at the World T20.

“Everybody asks me who is the favourite to lift the trophy but it is very difficult to predict in this form of cricket. One over or one catch can change the complexion of the game,” he said.

“In my opinion, a team from subcontinent should be favourite to go all the way,” added Wasim.

According to the former captain, Pakistan would also benefit from the Pakistan Super League (PSL) experience right before the World T20

The 'Sultan of Swing' also took a jibe the on-going Masters Champions League (MCL), of which Wasim was a part of initially.

He said the MCL looked a 'bit odd' and believed it would pose no threat to the PSL.

“Now I am 50 and it is not my time to play cricket. T20 is the youngsters’ game and let them entertain the crowd,” said Wasim.

“One or two exhibition matches might be OK for retired players but to play a whole series like the MCL is too taxing. They have passed their prime and sometimes it looks a bit odd,” he added.

Opinion

Editorial

De-escalation efforts
23 Jul, 2026

De-escalation efforts

WHILE the exchange of fire across the Gulf — and the wider Middle East — continues between the US and Iran,...
Time to integrate
23 Jul, 2026

Time to integrate

PAKISTAN remains one of the least regionally integrated economies in Asia. The trade figures for the last fiscal ...
Modi unnerved
23 Jul, 2026

Modi unnerved

DISCONTENT is visible in India. Delhi has been on the boil since last month. As thousands took to the streets ...
Frozen Award
Updated 22 Jul, 2026

Frozen Award

KP’S petition before the Federal Constitutional Court, seeking Rs964bn as the province’s claimed share of tax...
Delayed pricing
22 Jul, 2026

Delayed pricing

THE ongoing delay in making new, approved lifesaving medicines available to patients is a serious lapse in...
Joint prayers
22 Jul, 2026

Joint prayers

IN a country which has witnessed monstrous bouts of sectarian violence, even symbolic gestures by clerics belonging...