ISLAMABAD: In a move that brought about mixed emotions from cricket enthusiasts across Pakistan, left-arm fast bowler Wahab Riaz announced his retirement from international cricket on Wednesday.
Wahab Riaz expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Pakistan Cricket Board, his family, teammates, and the ever-loyal fans who supported him through every challenge.
He pledged to continue showcasing his skills in league cricket, vowing to remain a dominant force.
Wahab’s cricket journey
Meanwhile, Wahab’s path in the cricketing world stands out as truly remarkable. Pakistan’s consistent challenges with fast bowling talents, marred by injuries and absences, accelerated his rise to prominence. As icons like Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif faced frequent sidelining, and with Umar Gul grappling with injuries, Wahab took the chance to represent the nation early in his career.
Furthermore, he made his debut against England at The Oval in 2010, capturing immediate attention with his blazing speed and tenacity. In a standout performance, he took 5 wickets for a mere 63 runs, placing his name among the exclusive Pakistani bowlers who achieved a five-wicket haul on debut. He dismissed renowned players like Andrew Strauss, Jonathan Trott, and Kevin Pietersen, demonstrating his prowess against top-tier batsmen.
However, challenges lay ahead as Wahab navigated fluctuating fortunes during the tours to New Zealand and the West Indies in 2011, resulting in a temporary break from the Test squad. Serving as an ODI specialist, he often balanced between being a crucial wicket-taker and a bowler who occasionally conceded runs.
The 2011 World Cup semi-final against India marked a high point in his career as he delivered a game-changing 5-wicket performance, taking down Virender Sehwag, Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, and MS Dhoni. Unfortunately, Pakistan couldn’t capitalize on his efforts for a win.
Throughout his tenure in international cricket, Pakistan’s ODI team heavily relied on Wahab.
However, some expressed concerns over his economic rate. Through the highs and lows, his fervor for the sport and unwavering commitment to the team showcased his true character.
