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By Shayan Siddiqui (23rd February, 2014)

 

Pakistan’s fast bowling reserves have historically been admired and envied around the world with a number of high quality pacers struggling to find a spot in the playing XI, particularly when the likes of Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis were around. In the current era, Pakistan have continued to demonstrate their strength in the fast bowling department with Junaid Khan, Mohammad Irfan, Umar Gul and Bilawal Bhatti just some of the names to have caused problems to opposition batsmen, and it is therefore no surprise that a number of talented fast bowlers have struggled to break into the Pakistan squads and play on a regular basis.

One such bowler is 28-year-old Wahab Riaz who has represented Pakistan on 52 occasions across all three formats but has found it difficult to nail down a place. He was recently not included in the list of 30 probable squad members for the 2014 ICC World T20 and also failed to make the Asia Cup squad. Speaking in Lahore at the Forman Christian College University Alumni Sports Day, where he was invited as the chief guest, Wahab expressed his disappointment of not making the squads but stated he is still confident he can catch the eyes of the national selectors once more.

“It was disappointing to have not even made the 30-man squad for the World T20. I am fit, working hard and performing well. I am not worried and it's the selectors' job to pick the squads and if they feel I was not the right choice for this Asia Cup and the World T20, it's their own opinion as according to them, they opted for the best players. If I get dejected and stop working hard, I will never succeed and I am not someone who runs away or gets disheartened so Inshallah, I'm determined to make an international comeback soon.”

Wahab was part of the Lahore Lions side that won the recently concluded Faysal Bank T20 tournament in Rawalpindi after a thrilling final against Faisalabad Wolves. He played an important role in the Lions’ success with five wickets in the six matches he played at an average of 14.8 and an outstanding economy rate of 3.7, the 4th best in the tournament. Wahab understandably hopes that his recent domestic performances will propel him back into the Pakistan team.

“I have doubled my efforts, I’m very focused and I bowled my heart out in the recent Faysal Bank T20 domestic tournament. I played just to show my passion. I played for my respect and dignity despite not being named in the 30-man squad and I wanted to show that I am the same Wahab Riaz. As far as my domestic performance is concerned, I am doing my bit and the rest is up to the selectors. My job is to do well, which I am doing and when the selectors deem me able enough, I will make a comeback.”

As holders of the Asia Cup, Pakistan will be hoping they can successfully defend their title after a nerve jangling win over the hosts in the 2012 final. Wahab was part of the squad the lifted the title in Mirpur and he felt that Pakistan would once again prevail although India would still provide a stiff challenge despite the injury to their captain, MS Dhoni.

“Pakistan's team is well-balanced and all the players have worked very hard - they are better than all the other teams in this competition. Our bowling and batting department is well equipped and we have a great combination, so although the Asia Cup will be a challenge for Pakistan, we should win this event given the hard work the players have put in. As far as MS Dhoni is concerned, India’s chances won't take much of a hit. One of their qualities is that whenever they step on to the ground, they give their 100% and look united. Keeping their last two series in mind, I think they will be under pressure so Pakistan are favourites and have the best chances of winning the Asia Cup” he concluded.

The Asia Cup commences on 25th February in Mirpur when Pakistan take on Sri Lanka in the opening game.
 

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