‘Their choice’, says Wahab on being ignored for PCB specialised camps

LAHORE: Pakistan fast bowler and advisor to the Government of Punjab on sports Wahab Riaz has requested the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to let him practise at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), albeit he is not invited to the specialised camps.

Speaking to the media in Lahore on Monday, Wahab said it was the board’s own choice not to call him for the specialised camps for the bowlers, starting later this month at the NCA.

“It is their (PCB’s) choice if they did not invite me to bowlers’ camps,” he told reporters while attending the Torch Lighting ceremony for the DC Lahore Young Games 2023.

On Friday, PCB called up 13 spinners and 11 fast bowlers for the two camps that will run from 10 till 15 June (for spinners) and 16 till 21 June (for fast bowlers).

“I will continue my bowling practice at the NCA,” added Wahab Riaz, besides requesting the PCB to allow him to use the facility for the purpose.

The left-arm pacer has also expressed his opinion on the uncertainty lingering around the Asia Cup 2023, saying in case the tournament is abandoned, PCB should schedule a bilateral series as an alternative.

“PCB should explore other options and arrange an alternate series if Asia Cup does not take place,” he added.

Moreover, the advisor to the caretaker chief minister said there was no problem in offering the players separate red and white ball contracts if the board has ample financial resources.

It is pertinent to mention that PCB offered separate red and white-ball contracts to the national players for the first time last year.

Talking about the DC Lahore Young Games, Wahab said the government wanted to bring more female athletes to the limelight through these games.

“We will try to organize more and more such events for women in the province and will also increase the budget for women’s sports,” he concluded.

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