KARACHI: Pakistan’s left-arm pacer Wahab Riaz said Pakistan should play the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in India as the uncertainty over the team playing the mega event in the neighbouring country looms large.

Punjab’s Sports Minister Wahab Riaz shared his views about Pakistan’s participation as the world champion in the ARY News sports show Bouncer. The left-arm bowler said Pakistan should follow its saying that “politics should be separate from sports”.

The provincial minister said that Indian cricketers are friendly towards their Pakistani counterparts but can’t tour the country as they cannot go against the government’s decision.

Moreover, the cricketer added that India should have toured Pakistan for the Asia Cup. He said Green Shirts should participate in the World Cup under any situation.

He also said the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) does what it wants as it is the most influential cricket board.

Wahab Riaz, speaking about himself, said he does not only want to play in the World Cup but also to play more for the country. He added he is trying to make a comeback for the national team, but it might be too late for him. 

The cricketer said the team is performing well. The pacer added the team’s bowling unit is good, but there is a shortage of bowlers who can bowl their 10 overs.

It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan’s last tour of India was in 2012-2013 when the two sides bilateral series for the last time. 

Since then, the two sides have only met in ICC and regional tournaments.

Speaking to the media in Lahore on Monday, Wahab Riaz 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.

Wahab Riaz further 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.

 

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