Pakistan left-arm speedster Wahab Riaz, on Wednesday, announced his retirement from international cricket but will continue to play franchise cricket.
Wahab Riaz shared the news in a post on his official account on the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter).
“Stepping off the international pitch. After an incredible journey, I’ve decided to retire from international cricket. Big thank you to PCB, my family, coaches, mentors, teammates, fans, and everyone who supported me. Exciting times ahead in the world of franchise cricket!” Riaz posted on his X account.
🏏 Stepping off the international pitch
🌟 After an incredible journey, I've decided to retire from international cricket. Big thank you to PCB, my family, coaches, mentors, teammates, fans, and everyone who supported me. 🙏
Exciting times ahead in the world of franchise…
— Wahab Riaz (@WahabViki) August 16, 2023
He also shared a document of his press statement, which says: “I have been speaking about my retirement plans past two years, that 2023 is my target to retire from International cricket, and I feel comfortable now more than ever that I have served my country and National team to the best I could have,”
He further voiced his emotions of being proud to represent Pakistan on the international stage and announced his future commitment to franchise cricket.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to represent Pakistan on the international stage. 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.
Wahab Riaz had an illustrious career for Pakistan, having played across all formats for the green shirts. He made his ODI debut against Zimbabwe in 2008, and his T20I debut a few months later against Bangladesh.
Meanwhile, his test debut came two years later, in 2010 against England, where he picked up five wickets and became the ninth Pakistani bowler to bag a five-wicket haul on debut.
Wahab represented Pakistan in 27 Tests, 91 ODIs and 36 T20Is. He picked up 83 wickets in Tests at an average of 34.50, 120 in ODIs at 34.30 and 34 wickets at 28.55 in T20Is.
The left-arm fast bowler has represented Pakistan in three ODI World Cups, from 2011 to 2019, and has picked 35 wickets. He is the second-highest wicket-taker for Pakistan in ODI World Cups after Wasim Akram (55).
His best ODI performance also came in a World Cup game against arch-rivals India in the 2011 World Cup semi-final in Mohali, where he returned with figures of 5-46.
Wahab Riaz last played for Pakistan in 2020 against New Zealand in a T20I match, and his last ODI came a month before in a home series against Zimbabwe. Meanwhile, his last Test outing was in 2018 against Australia.
He is also the highest wicket-taker and the only bowler so far to pick 100 wickets in Pakistan Super League (PSL) history. He picked 113 wickets in PSL, playing for Peshawar Zalmi since the inaugural season.