On Wednesday, Pakistani fast bowler Wahab Riaz declared his retirement from international cricket, marking the conclusion of his 15-year-long professional journey in the sport.
The 38-year-old speedster, renowned for his dynamic deliveries and game-changing displays, has decided to retire from international cricket while maintaining his presence in various franchise leagues worldwide.
His illustrious international journey spans 27 Test matches, 91 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and 36 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), amassing an impressive total of 237 wickets. Wahab’s international career began in 2008 with his debut against Zimbabwe.
In the realm of Test cricket, Wahab’s left-arm artistry earned him 83 wickets, while his impact was strongly evident with 120 ODI wickets. He similarly showcased his prowess in the T20I format, securing 34 dismissals.
Wahab played a pivotal role in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup across the three most recent editions. His exceptional performance during the semifinal against arch-rival India in the 2011 tournament stood as evidence of his remarkable skills, as he clinched an unforgettable five-wicket haul in the high-stakes match.
Wahab mentioned that he had been contemplating his retirement plans for the past couple of years, with 2023 as his targeted farewell year from international cricket. He expressed that he felt more certain than ever that he had given his all to his country and the national team.
He further continued that at present, Pakistan boasts a world-class pace attack featuring Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf. He explained that this was the reason he had chosen to step back from international cricket, as he believed he had served his country and the national team to the best of his abilities.
