Pakistan’s Veteran Fast Bowler Wahab Riaz Bids Farewell to International Cricket After a Glorious 15-Year Career; Franchise Cricket Journey to Continue
Wahab Riaz, the accomplished Pakistani fast bowler, has officially retired from international cricket, culminating a distinguished 15-year journey representing his nation. However, he is set to persist in his participation in franchise cricket.
Throughout his illustrious career, Wahab participated in 27 Test matches, 91 One Day Internationals (ODIs), and 36 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) for Pakistan. His final appearance in the national jersey was in 2020. Notably, he secured 83 wickets in Test cricket at an average of 34.50, 120 wickets in ODIs at an average of 34.30, and 34 wickets in T20Is at an average of 28.55. His most recent endeavor saw him contributing to Peshawar Zalmi during the PSL 2023.
“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,” Wahab said in a press statement. “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.”
One of the most iconic memories associated with Wahab Riaz is his fiery spell against Shane Watson during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup quarter-final match between Pakistan and Australia. In that match, Wahab bowled with tremendous pace, aggression, and intensity, challenging Watson with a barrage of bouncers and hostile deliveries. The battle between Wahab and Watson became one of the most talked-about moments of the tournament, showcasing Wahab’s determination and passion on the field.
This particular performance highlighted Wahab Riaz’s ability to create excitement and tension through his bowling, leaving a lasting impression on cricket fans worldwide. While there are several other notable moments in his career, this intense encounter with Shane Watson is often considered one of his most memorable contributions to the game.
