Pakistan fast bowler Wahab Riaz announces retirement from international cricket

Pakistan fast bowler Wahab Riaz announced his retirement from international cricket on Wednesday, August 16. The left-arm pacer will continue to play franchise-based cricket across the globe after deciding to bid adieu to the game at the highest level at the age of 38.

Wahab Riaz, who played 27 Tests, 91 ODIs and 36 T20Is, picked 237 international wickets. He last played for Pakistan in December 2020. The senior pacer, however, played the Pakistan Super League as recently as March this year.

"Stepping off the international pitch," Wahab Riaz wrote in a tweet on Wednesday.

"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 Riaz sad in a statement after his international retirement on Wednesday.

"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 added.

Wahab Riaz frequently bowled at speeds of around 145 kmph, and even reached a record speed of 154.5 kmph during the 2015 World Cup game against India.

Wahab's ODI career was marked by several memorable performances, but one that stands out is his 2015 World Cup campaign. During a quarter-final match against Australia, Riaz delivered a sensational spell to Australian cricketer Shane Watson. This face-off began when Watson mocked Riaz's batting skills during the first innings. In response, Riaz unleashed a fiery spell of fast bowling that rattled Watson and the Australian team. He dismissed openers David Warner and Michael Clarke, bringing the Australian team down to 59 for 3 in the 11th over. Despite his efforts, Pakistan lost the match, but Riaz's performance was widely praised and remembered as one of the most iconic bowling spells in recent cricket history.

However, Riaz's spell did not result in a win for Pakistan, a fact that he later expressed regret over. Despite this, his performance in the 2015 World Cup solidified his reputation as a formidable fast bowler.