Rumman Raees to replace injured Wahab Riaz in Champions Trophy

Published June 6, 2017
Rumman Raees says he has the dream of taking wickets of top batsmen. ─ PCB website
Rumman Raees says he has the dream of taking wickets of top batsmen. ─ PCB website

The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 has approved Rumman Raees as a replacement player for Wahab Riaz in the Pakistan squad for the tournament, an ICC press release said on Tuesday.

After fast bowler Wahab was ruled out of the Champions Trophy following his foot injury, the left-arm pacer is being replaced by Rumman, who said his target is to restrict top batsmen during the tournament.

Wahab, who turned out to be the most expensive bowler in Pakistan's opening match of the tournament against India, will be returning home and will be replaced by Rumman, who made his international debut last year in a T20 match against West Indies.

Rumman last played for Pakistan in April this year against West Indies; he played only one match and took one wicket.

The pacer, like every other bowler, has the dream of taking wickets of top batsmen, prioritising three batsmen for the championship.

“I will be going out on a hunt for the wickets of the world’s top batsmen including AB de Villiers, who is the most dangerous batsman, and also Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni who are also among the best batmen of modern cricket,” the left-arm pacer said while speaking to DawnNews.

“I dream of taking their wickets and celebrating in my own style in front of them,” the 25-year-old said.

Wahab, who conceded 87 runs in 8.4 wicketless overs in the most expensive spell of five-plus overs in tournament history, hobbled off after twisting an ankle during Sunday's match.

Pakistan play South Africa in their next Group B match at the same venue on Wednesday.

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