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LAHORE: Pakistan pacer Wahab Riaz has called it a day in international cricket, three years after playing his last match for the country.
The 38-year-old, known for his pace and aggression, made his international debut against in February 2008 before going on to represent Pakistan in 27 Tests, 91 One-day Internationals and 36 T20Is and taking 83, 120 and 34 wickets in the respective formats.
His final appearance for Pakistan was in a T20 against New Zealand in Hamilton in December 2020 after which he had struggled to regain his place in the national side.
“I wanted to play the 2023 World Cup but felt that I stand no chance of a comeback, so this is the right time,” Wahab said during a press conference while announcing his retirement here on Wednesday.
Wahab became a Pakistan mainstay after the 2010 spot-fixing incident during the side’s Test tour of England saw then captain Salman Butt, and pacers Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir get banned for their involvement.
He led the Pakistan pace attack in the 2011 World Cup and his five wickets against India in the semi-final at Mohali became one of his famous performances, although his team lost the match — “the most memorable match” in Wahab’s career, he said.
“I could have achieved more than what I did but there are no regrets,” added the left-armer.
Wahab was the leading wicket taker for Pakistan in 2015 World Cup with 17 wickets and bowled a famous spell against Australian opener Shane Watson in the quarter-final, which Pakistan lost eventually.
“I have been speaking about my retirement plans (for the) past two years..., and I feel comfortable now more than ever that I have served my country and national team to the best I could have,” he said. “It has been an honour and a privilege to represent Pakistan on the international stage.”
Wahab, who represents Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League, said he will continue to play franchise T20 cricket around the world.
“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 statement.
Currently, Wahab is also acting as advisor to the caretaker chief minister of Punjab on sports.
Published in Dawn, August 17th, 2023
