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Pakistan fast bowler Wahab Riaz has announced his retirement from international cricket, marking the end of a successful career that spanned over a decade. The 38-year-old made the announcement through a heartfelt statement, expressing gratitude to his fans, teammates and the cricket fraternity for their unwavering support.
Riaz made his international debut for Pakistan in 2008 and quickly gained recognition for his raw pace and ability to generate reverse swing. Throughout his international career, he played a pivotal role in many memorable matches, contributing to Pakistan’s successes in various formats of the game.
The left-arm pacer played 27 Test matches, 91 One Day Internationals (ODIs), and 36 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) for Pakistan. He took a total of 240 wickets across formats, often delivering crucial breakthroughs with his lethal bowling.
One of the defining moments of Riaz’s career came during the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, where his fiery spell against India in the semi-final match remains etched in cricket fans’ memories. His confrontations with top-class batters and his aggressive approach on the field earned him a reputation as a fierce competitor.
Riaz will continue playing franchise cricket
Riaz expressed his gratitude to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and his fellow players, acknowledging the camaraderie and shared experiences that made his journey special. He also thanked his family for their unwavering support throughout his cricketing career.
“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,” Riaz wrote in his social media post.
He added: “Exciting times ahead in the world of franchise cricket!”
🏏 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
While stepping away from international cricket, Riaz will continue to contribute to domestic cricket and various T20 leagues around the world. His decision to retire is a reminder of his dedication to the sport and his desire to pass on the baton to the next generation of Pakistani cricketers.
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