Pakistan Pacer Wahab Riaz Announces Retirement From International Cricket, Will Continue To Play Franchise Leagues

Wahab Riaz the Pakistani pace bowler, announced his retirement from international cricket on Wednesday, August 16. Wahab, who last played for Pakistan in December 2020, has been named as the Punjab Province's temporary Sports Minister.

The 38-year-old, on the other hand, will continue to play franchise cricket across the world. Wahab played 27 Tests, 91 ODIs, and 36 T20Is in his international career, taking 237 wickets in total.

Wahab announced his retirement from international cricket on Twitter, thanking everyone who helped him along the way.

"I'm leaving the international pitch." I've decided to retire from international cricket after a great adventure.

Thank you very much to PCB, my family, coaches, mentors, teammates, fans, and everyone else that helped me. "Exciting times ahead in franchise cricket!" Wahab tweeted.

Leaving the international field

I've decided to retire from international cricket after a great adventure. Thank you very much to PCB, my family, coaches, mentors, teammates, fans, and everyone else that helped me.

In the world of franchises, exciting times are ahead…

Wahab stated that he had been contemplating retirement for the previous two years.

"I have been speaking about my retirement plans for the past two years, that 2023 is my target retirement date from international cricket, and I am more confident than ever that I have served my country and National team to the best of my ability."

It has been a privilege and an honour to represent Pakistan on the international scene. As I say goodbye to this chapter, I am excited to begin on a new adventure in franchise cricket, where I intend to entertain and inspire fans while competing against some of the world's top talents," he said in a comprehensive statement.

Notably, Wahab has the most wickets in the PSL, with 113. In fact, he is the only bowler to have taken 100 wickets.