LAHORE: In a surprising development, Test fast bowler Wahab Riaz on Thursday conveyed to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) his unavailability for the upcoming Quaid-i-Azam Trophy, saying he wants to take a break from first-class competitions.

“Left-arm fast bowler Wahab Riaz today confirmed he has withdrawn from the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and has decided to take an indefinite break from red-ball cricket,” read a PCB press release issued on Thursday.

“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,” the press release quoted 34-year-old Wahab as saying.

“During this period, I would 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 cannot only return but also perform with the red-ball, I would make myself available.

“The PCB had been trying to convince me to pursue my career with red-ball, but today I met them to convey my decision. I am grateful for their understanding and support,” said Wahab according to the press release.

There are reports that the PCB is not happy with Wahab’s decision as Pakistan team needs him for Test cricket, particularly when another prominent pacer Mohammad Amir has announced retirement from Tests.

Wahab, who has claimed 83 wickets in 27 Tests at an average of 34.50, was recently encouraged by the PCB in a speedy way. Once seems forgotten, previous chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq called Wahab back into the World Cup squad after a considerable period of two years to everyone’s surprise.

The pacer was not selected in the original World Cup squad in which Amir was also not included.

However, later both were included in the team, aiming at to strengthen the team’s pace attack that lacked sting. After the World Cup, the PCB also awarded Wahab ‘B’ category central contract, with the belief he will be available for all the three formats. Amir, meanwhile, was demoted to category ‘C’, perhaps just for confining himself to white-ball cricket.

Though according to some media reports, Wahab was also considering quitting Test cricket last month, he did not make such an announcement in public. Upon it the PCB gave him ‘B’ category contract.

A PCB official admitted that Wahab’s decision to take break from first-class was disappointing as the bowler had confirmed his availability for the Quaid-i-Azam Trophy. The PCB may review his central contract before taking any decision, added the official.

Wahab has been selected for Southern Punjab team, whose another key member Mohammad Hafeez will also be unavailable because of playing in the ongoing Caribbean Premier League. While Hafeez is not in the PCB central contract list, and he had sought NOC for the CPL, his case is less significant as compared to Wahab’s.

Published in Dawn, September 13th, 2019