Wahab Riaz: Pakistan’s cricket stalwart, Wahab Riaz, has declared his retirement from international cricket, bringing an end to his remarkable 15-year journey with the national team. Throughout his illustrious career, Wahab made significant contributions, amassing over 150 appearances for Pakistan. His prowess primarily shone in white-ball cricket, where he excelled as a quick bowler, particularly with the new ball.
ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2011, Wahab Riaz five-wicket against India.
An iconic moment in his career was his unforgettable five-wicket haul against arch-rival India during the semi-final stage of the 2011 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup held in Mohali. This performance showcased his exceptional talent and skill on a global platform. Notably, he participated in the three most recent editions of the World Cup.
Wahab Riaz’s fiery performance against Shane Watson
Wahab Riaz’s fiery performance against Shane Watson in the CWC15 Quarter-Final against Australia on March 19th, 2015, in Adelaide stands out as one of the most thrilling spells in World Cup history. This contribution demonstrated his ability to take wickets and provide Pakistan with a fighting chance against a formidable opponent.
Wahab said: “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.”
His international debut for Pakistan occurred in 2008 against Zimbabwe, and from there, Wahab went on to capture 237 wickets for his country across various formats. His left-arm bowling style left a lasting impact on the game, and his journey was characterized by determination and dedication to the sport he loved.
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In a press statement, Wahab expressed that he had been contemplating his retirement plans for the past two years, with 2023 being the targeted year for his exit from international cricket. He felt content and satisfied with his contributions to the national team and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent Pakistan on the international stage.
As he bids farewell to his international career, Wahab Riaz eagerly anticipates a new chapter in franchise cricket. He is excited to engage and inspire audiences while competing against some of the world’s finest talents.
Wahab’s career trajectory featured both highs and lows, and his journey wasn’t without challenges. Despite not consistently reaching the anticipated heights, he remained an integral part of Pakistan’s cricketing fabric. Notably, his role in a Test win against England in Dubai and his participation in various Test, ODI, and T20I matches underscored his versatile skills as a cricketer.
Wahab Riaz Stats
Bowling
| Series | M | Inn | B | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Econ | Avg | SR | 5W | 10W |
| Test | 27 | 49 | 5018 | 2864 | 83 | 5/63 | 7/134 | 3.42 | 34.51 | 60.46 | 2 | 0 |
| ODI | 91 | 90 | 4327 | 4117 | 120 | 5/46 | 5/46 | 5.71 | 34.31 | 36.06 | 1 | 0 |
| T20I | 36 | 35 | 710 | 971 | 34 | 3/18 | 3/18 | 8.21 | 28.56 | 20.88 | 0 | 0 |
Batting
| Series | M | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100 | 200 | 50 | 4s | 6s |
| Test | 27 | 41 | 5 | 306 | 39 | 8.5 | 727 | 42.09 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 32 | 5 |
| ODI | 91 | 66 | 15 | 740 | 54 | 14.51 | 849 | 87.16 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 55 | 30 |
| T20I | 36 | 18 | 6 | 154 | 30 | 12.83 | 123 | 125.2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 7 |