"My passion to represent Pakistan has only grown and become stronger" : Wahab Riaz

[Abdullah719]

It was the memorable quarter-final against Australia in the 2015 World Cup where Wahab Riaz’s ability to bowl fast and with aggression truly came to the fore in the eyes of cricket fans around the world. His iconic bowling spell in that game, which Australia eventually won by 6 wickets, to a somewhat bewildered Shane Watson made Wahab an instant hero in the eyes of his countrymen but paradoxically placed a tough burden on the pacer for the rest of his career. It was perhaps this pressure that seemed to take a toll on him resulting in some insipid performances, which has probably lead to him being sidelined from the national side.

Wahab recently ended a 12 match stint with Derbyshire in the ongoing Vitality T20 Blast where he took 15 wickets and scored 152 runs and is now participating in the Caribbean Premier League where he is representing Barbados Tridents. A sought-after player for T20 leagues around the world, Wahab Riaz preferred to play in England ahead of any other location and explained the reasons for his decision.

“When I was reviewing the offer from Derbyshire, I also had an offer from the Global T20 in Canada and had to choose between both competitions. I chose Derbyshire because it was a longer stint and most importantly it would also allow me to familiarise myself once again with English conditions. The objective I set for myself during my stint with Derbyshire was to deliver for the team and play my part in winning every single game that I played for them. I feel that I made good progress during my time with Derbyshire.”

Wahab last played Test cricket for Pakistan in October 2017 and has not featured in any Limited-Overs game for his country since June 2017 which to his critics seems to indicate a lack of consistency in his bowling. This is a charge that the fast-bowler was quick to deny as he explained, “The critics are doing what they do best and painting their version of the picture. But the reality is different especially if one considers my performances in the past 12 months where I have played a Test against Sri Lanka in UAE, PSL and put in some excellent performances during my stint with Derbyshire. Instead of worrying about critics, I am focusing on reducing any extra runs off my bowling, my bowling in death overs, contributing with the bat and most importantly my fitness which is now a requirement for playing in any format of cricket.”

Pakistan’s recent success in Limited-Overs formats including their win in the Champions Trophy have largely been attributed to the single-minded determination of their Head Coach Mickey Arthur. Whilst Arthur has been very positive in his comments about the Pakistan side, eyebrows were raised when he appeared to question Wahab Riaz’s work ethic. The Pakistan bowler was quick to dispel such notions as he remarked, “I’m not sure if he was actually questioning my work ethic. In my opinion, he was merely providing feedback on areas of my game that he feels I can improve on. It is no secret that Mickey has been very firm about having a high-level fitness target for all the boys and I sat down with him before coming over to England. We had a long chat about my fitness and training regime and Mickey provided his feedback on areas I can improve on. Yes, I might have been a bit relaxed about my diet a few days of the week, but I’m still able to maintain good fitness for my game and have never failed a fitness test. But, Mickey felt that I could do better, and I agree with his opinion because as a fast bowler, especially in Test cricket, you cannot survive if you are not 100% fit.”

Wahab Riaz also disagreed with Pakistan Head Coach’s remarks about the fact that he had not won a game for Pakistan in years and re-affirmed his commitment to his goal to do the best he can for his country.

“I know that I have bent my back for my country and gave the best I could, but even I’m not satisfied with some of my performances and I feel I should have done better. As a cricketer you are bound to have good and bad patches, and I won't let any low points affect my career as there is nothing more I want to do in life than winning games for my country and my people. Sometimes, even when I bowl well, my team does not win. Look at my Shane Watson spell in the 2015 World Cup Quarter-Final where Australia won, or my bowling spell in the last Test match against Sri Lanka where we were not successful even when I got an important breakthrough.”

The next big ICC tournament is the 2019 World Cup and understandably, all 10 participants in this mega event are busy making preparations to build the right team combinations to give themselves the best chance of success. For Wahab Riaz, participation in the World Cup would be a great honour but he understands that the road to establishing a place in the Pakistan team ahead of this tournament is a tough one as he explained, “It’s never easy to try and find a permanent place in a strong team like Pakistan which is doing so well at the moment. This is especially true when you are talking about Pakistan’s very effective bowling line-up but I know that I made my debut for Pakistan when our bowling was very strong and it happened due to my hard work. I was able to convince the selection committee then and I believe I can do it again. At the moment, being selected for the 2019 World Cup for Pakistan and performing well is my main, and only, priority at this time. There is also the 2020 World T20 on the horizon but I am firmly focused on playing in the 2019 World Cup at the moment.”

It is natural that Wahab Riaz would have been disappointed at not being picked in the recent series against Zimbabwe, but it was clear from his remarks that regardless of setbacks, playing for Pakistan still remains foremost in his mind.

“It is my only desire as a professional cricketer and as a Pakistani to continue playing for my country. Playing for your country gives one great satisfaction. Moreover, being selected to play for a strong team like Pakistan means that you have to be one of the best fast-bowlers in the world, so it’s a matter of honour and pride to see your name on the Pakistan team list and something I will never give up on. I am 33 but my fitness and ambition has never been stronger. I used to think that the fascination of playing for Pakistan would fade with time. But, if anything, my passion to represent Pakistan has only grown and become stronger than ever before.”

Whilst Wahab Riaz’s enthusiasm to play cricket remains as strong as ever, he is also the first one to accept that modern day cricket is not getting easier for the fast-bowlers, especially in the shorter formats.

“The shorter formats are more favourable towards the batsmen as proven by the spate of constantly increasing high scores in ODIs and T20Is. We now have T20I matches where 400+ runs have been scored in a single match; all that in 3 hours! But, it is what it is. Like batsmen have come up with innovations in their shots, the bowlers must also do the same. Whilst having experience has no substitute whatsoever, it is also true that innovation is something bowlers should embrace, and we have seen that in practice with the excessive use of the slower ball, for example. Innovation and variations are the key to success for today’s bowlers and the sooner they realise that, the better it will be for them.”

Wahab Riaz’s next goal will be to continue putting in excellent performances for his CPL team, Barbados Tridents. This is a challenge he has accepted with enthusiasm and gusto as participation in such tournaments is something he considers crucial for any cricketer’s development, “T20 tournaments such as the Vitality T20 Blast and CPL keep me focused on, and busy with cricket. Every time I play for another team or franchise, I learn more about myself and what others are doing, and it’s also a great opportunity to make new friends. Being on the field is important to me as that experience gets me closer to doing what I live my life for, which is to play for Pakistan,” he concluded.

[Oligochaetes]

Pakistan's Ishant Sharma ?

[MenInG]

Wahab is still useful in Tests imo

Think we keep on assuming that pace alone can help him out in LOIs but that probably puts him under more pressure

[Mamoon]

His utility is limited to UAE Tests, but Shinwari and Shaheen deserves opportunities to show that they can do better than his wicket-less but applied pressure on the batsmen type spells. His LOI career is of course done and dusted.

[shariqnoor]

Just like Afridi probably played 350 more international matches based on his Nairobi innings, Wahab played more than he should've firstly based on his 2011 semi-final performance and secondly for 2.5 years on that ridiculously noneffective 2015 bowling spell. I'd say good riddance now.

[MenInG]

Think Mickey Arthur and Co know what to do; If Wahab does prove himself in Limited Overs in leagues then no reason why he cannot be brought back

[Sadevdesai]

Our players make most self-serving statements !!!!!

[Pakhs]

He doesnt have the ball that come back in to right handers! And without you have to be super accurate to survive which he is not. He does have reverse swing so an option in flat UAE tracks in tests.

[ManFan]

Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Sami, and Kamran Akmal.

Fans with the memories of a goldfish will always be clamoring for their reruns of idiocracy on the international stage.

The myth of the U.A.E Wahab Riaz is an exaggerated one.

The man in a total of seven years has taken ONE five-wicket-haul in the U.A.E, which took place six years after his first.

He is 33 years old, cannot bowl in-swing due to his action, lacks consistency (abandoning his run-up five times in a row!), and is only yearned for due to his pace which most batsmen just tickle fine down the leg-side for a boundary.

The U.A.E Tests are all about applying scoreboard pressure on the opposition. How many times has Wahab “Fail and Fall” let go off that pressure by offering short-and-wide filth or a juicy half-volley?

Stick with three spinners and Abbas (who averaged 25 in his first Test series in the U.A.E, lacking pace and reverse swing).

[Savak]

Wahab was Pakistan's best pacer on the tour to England in 2016, UAE in 2016 and Australia in 2017. He only has a future as far as tests are concerned, we don't need him in ODI's and T-20's.

Sadly unlike Amir, he doesn't get enough leeway.

[topspin]

When you're 35 and your career is about to come to an end, ofc this passion to play for Pakistan will have "grown and become stronger".

[ExplicitAI]

I used to be a big fan of him back when he took a 5 wicket haul against India in the 2011 semi-final, many Indian fans praised him saying he could become the third "W" after Wasim and Waqar (hilarious to think of that now ) but he was undeservingly left out of the squad during 2011-2012 for no apparent reason when it was the perfect opportunity for him to grow and get his wicket tally up. We sadly brought him back after a year and a half in 2012 and pit him against India in the 2012 Asia cup thinking he was our trump card against India but he got hammered left, right and centre by Kohli who went on to score a mammoth 183 (an innings I'll remember for a lifetime).

The two new ball rule in ODIs killed his game since he's pretty good with the old ball. There has been too many instances where his scorecard would show him getting clobbered everywhere since it's so easy to score off him by flicking him down legside or getting penalty runs due to noballs or wides. He comes across as a tragic hero in losing causes in which you would normally expect commentators and pundits sending him praises on Twitter since he saves his best for those types of games (Mohali and the spell against Watson). Wahab also gave the impression of him being a bowling allrounder since 2011 where he scored 30+ against SA in 2010 (where Razzaq scored that freak 100) and also against WI in 2011 ODI series where he took us home with two big sixes with 7 wickets down. His batting then regressed a lot to the point where he scored ducks regularly in Tests and he was playing at positions 8-9. He became more of a regular during the 2013 CT where fans considered him to be our main strike bowler and even after the tournament, some of us even said he was better than Junaid which he isn't. He continued to get his bowling hammered by so many teams and he took years to only just come back to the Test side in 2014 if I'm correct; he usually produces wicketless spells of him roughing up the batsmen so others can pick up wickets when it's his job to also take wickets. His bowling then started to become a lot better in which he picked up more wickets in ODI's (3 wicket hauls and the occasional 4) but I also forgot to mention him conceding a century against SA in 2013 where Afridi scored 88.

We then carried him to the 2015 WC deservingly so since the likes of Ajmal and Hafeez were banned, Gul and Junaid being injured and Wahab was picking up wickets with a high economy rate. Gave us decent batting performances and was one of the top fast bowlers in the tournament but was let down in the QF. His legacy was further dented when we got smashed by India in the first match in the 2017 CT, of which is shows us that his bowling is not needed in the modern ODI game since he does not have the skills to bowl with 2 new balls.

[Saj]

I think Wahab will be the first to admit that he hasn't lived up to expectations and hasn't been the force he should have been.

Too often he has lacked control and allowed batsmen to score freely off him.

The good spells have been a rare occurrence, the great spells a rarity.

[Usman Chadda]

Wahab was Pakistan's best pacer on the tour to England in 2016, UAE in 2016 and Australia in 2017. He only has a future as far as tests are concerned, we don't need him in ODI's and T-20's.

Sadly unlike Amir, he doesn't get enough leeway.

With good reason. Wahab on his bad day loses us matches single-handedly.

[giri26]

Wahab Riaz has only one immediate aim - to make Pakistan’s ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 squad.

Wahab, who was Pakistan’s leading wicket-taker at the 2015 World Cup, hasn’t played an ODI since June 2017.

With Pakistan boasting a formidable pace attack, the left-armer admits it’s hard to guarantee a spot in their squad, but will do everything in his power to pull on the famous green jersey at next year’s World Cup in England and Wales.

“It’s never easy to try and find a permanent place in a strong team like Pakistan which is doing so well at the moment,” he told Pak Passion.

“This is especially true when you are talking about Pakistan’s very effective bowling line-up but I know that I made my debut for Pakistan when our bowling was very strong and it happened due to my hard work. I was able to convince the selection committee then and I believe I can do it again.

“At the moment, being selected for the 2019 World Cup for Pakistan and performing well is my main, and only, priority at this time. There is also the 2020 World T20 on the horizon but I am firmly focused on playing in the 2019 World Cup at the moment.”

Despite being out of Pakistan’s one-day side for over a year now, Wahab – who has 79 ODI caps to his name – has no plans to withdraw from international cricket.

“It is my only desire as a professional cricketer and as a Pakistani to continue playing for my country,” he added.

“Playing for your country gives one great satisfaction. Moreover, being selected to play for a strong team like Pakistan means that you have to be one of the best fast-bowlers in the world, so it’s a matter of honour and pride to see your name on the Pakistan team list and something I will never give up on.

“I am 33 but my fitness and ambition has never been stronger. I used to think that the fascination of playing for Pakistan would fade with time. But, if anything, my passion to represent Pakistan has only grown and become stronger than ever before.”

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/836536

[giri26]

Left-arm pacer Wahab Riaz has revealed that his only aim at the moment is to cement a spot in the Pakistan squad for the 2019 World Cup in England and Wales.

Riaz, who has represented Pakistan in 79 ODIs, has not played an international match since October 2017, after being dropped following a series of poor performances.

But the 33-year-old, who recently had an impressive stint in the Vitality T20 Blast, where he took 15 wickets and scored 152 runs for Derbyshire, has reiterated that his primary objective is to play for Pakistan.

“It’s never easy to try and find a permanent place in a strong team like Pakistan which is doing so well at the moment,” Riaz told PakPassion. “This is especially true when you are talking about Pakistan’s very effective bowling line-up. But I know that I made my debut for Pakistan when our bowling was very strong and I believe I can do it again. At the moment, being selected for the 2019 World Cup for Pakistan and performing well is my main, and only, priority.

Riaz added he would never give up on his mission to represent Pakistan whenever possible.

“It is my only desire as a professional cricketer and as a Pakistani to continue playing for my country. Playing for your country gives one great satisfaction. Moreover, being selected to play for a strong team like Pakistan means that you have to be one of the best fast-bowler in the world, so it’s a matter of honour and pride to see your name on the Pakistan team list and something I will never give up on.”

When Riaz was dropped from the squad, Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur criticised his work ethic in the training sessions, but the Peshawar Zalmi-pacer believes the 50-year-old was only highlighting the areas where he can improve on.

“I’m not sure if he was actually questioning my work ethic as in my opinion, he was merely providing feedback on areas of my game that he feels I can improve on,” Riaz explained. “It is no secret that Mickey has been very firm about having a high-level fitness target for all the boys and I sat down with him before coming to England. We had a long chat about my fitness and training regime and Mickey provided his feedback on areas I can improve on. Mickey felt that I could do better, and I agree with his opinion because as a fast-bowler, especially in Test cricket, you cannot survive if you are not 100% fit.”

Talking about his critics, Riaz revealed he is focusing on his performances rather than listening to what people have to say about him.

“The critics are doing what they do best and painting their version of the picture, but the reality is different, especially if one considers my performances in the past 12 months where I have played only one Test against Sri Lanka in the UAE, the PSL and put in some excellent performances during my stint with Derbyshire,” said Riaz. “Instead of worrying about critics, I am focusing on improving my economy, my bowling in death overs, contributing with the bat and most importantly my fitness which is now a requirement for playing in any format of cricket.”

https://tribune.com.pk/story/1789832...rld-cup-squad/

[Asif321]

no way he is going to fit in WC 2019 line up

[babajee]

I still believe he has a role to play in UAE tests and would rather he played over the likes of Amir/Hasan.

[TeymurBlake]

I think it would be best to move on from him. There are plenty of young and upcoming options available.

[Bewal Express]

His spell in the 2015 WC did his career immense damage because he decided to live off that for the next 2 years when with a little more work he could have become something really good

[Slim]

How about NO?

Need to retire now. Too old and not competent enough.

[aloo paratha]

I have respect for wahab riaz, because while he wasn't the best bowler, he always ran in and gave it his all. Kept running in even in the heat of the UAE. He never complained like others when he was dropped.

That being said, we have moved on, and we don't need him anymore.

[PakLFC]

Oh no please tell me Wahab didn't say that Thanks for your incredible services for Pakistan in particular that over in the WC against Australia that is amongst the best I have ever seen. All the same whilst appreciating your passion I don't see him making a comeback now. With Hassan Ali, Amir, Shinwari, Junaid and Shaheeen fighting for a place Wahab won't even be on the subs bench.

[mak36]

I have respect for wahab riaz, because while he wasn't the best bowler, he always ran in and gave it his all. Kept running in even in the heat of the UAE. He never complained like others when he was dropped.

That being said, we have moved on, and we don't need him anymore.

This explains why he aborted his run up five times just to bowl one delivery.

[GoUgandaCranes]

May have some utility in t20 cricket and tests in UAE. Not an ODI bowler unless they abolish the rule of two new balls there.

He does well in t20 cricket, and it shouldn't be confused with his performances in ODI cricket.

[shaaik]

He is almost a spent force as far as his international career is concerned and he doesn't have age on his side either plus the fast bowling talent that's coming through the ranks recently has almost put an end to his international career though he still can play t20 leagues here and there .

[Hasan123]

I don't mind him playing tests in the UAE as he is a different opition to what we have. But in LO he has no role to play. He has been embarrassed plenty of times in LO cricket and we have younger bowlers who are doing well.

[ahmedwaqas92]

He should keep the passion to himself, thanks but no Thanks mate! It's been more than a decade since he's arrived at the international scene and yet he can't bring the ball in to save his life.

His batting is non existent these days and apart from mindlessly spraying it at 140 clicks he doesn't really bring any thing to the table.

[MenInG]

Well done to Wahab for persisting.

[Boi]

The only place he is of some use is in UAE Tests with the pace and reverse swing. Good selection.

[alized]

That 148 kmph delivery. Just amazing! That too against the Aussies, which like to play fast and bouncy bowlers. Wahab is a extremely good bowler, he just needs to work on variations. He was the standout performer in bowling for Pakistan for many years, Mohammad Amir nowhere to be seen.

[ManFan]

Just no more wickets off no-balls please.

[Prince of Pakistan]

Useful in the UAE, but will be disastrous in SA.

If only Inzi/Mickey understand this.

[hussain.r97]

Far better than Amir these days. With Wahab and Junaid, they may not be the most skilled bowlers, but you know they are going to run in and give their very best. Amir is just lazy, and he really needs to change his attitude.

[MenInG]

Far better than Amir these days. With Wahab and Junaid, they may not be the most skilled bowlers, but you know they are going to run in and give their very best. Amir is just lazy, and he really needs to change his attitude.

Until his next failure when we suddenly ask why he was brought back.

[alized]

Until his next failure when we suddenly ask why he was brought back.

Wahab performs when it matters the most. Remember the Sydney Test?

In the whole match:

All Other Bowlers 662-6
Wahab Riaz 117-4

Wahab was the stand out performer and star bowler for Pakistan

[Savak]

Wahab performs when it matters the most. Remember the Sydney Test?

In the whole match:

All Other Bowlers 662-6
Wahab Riaz 117-4

Wahab was the stand out performer and star bowler for Pakistan

Wahab was Pakistan's best bowler in the UAE and on the tour to Australia, it was Amir who failed to support him.

[alized]

Wahab Riaz toke 4 wicket haul in PAK vs SL Test, plus one wicket, and was dropped next match.

Mohammad Amir toke a grand total of 1 wicket in whole two Test matches conceding 164 runs

[hadi123]

I think if he gets a chance he'll do well. Him getting dropped would have been a wake up call. I hope he has cut down with the no balls

[JibranAnsari]

33 already , he can play for 2 3 more years provided he perform. His career has been a disappointment so far.

[Plumb]

first prove yourself in a side game where wicketless so far and few no balls to your name

[Saj]

Let's see how he goes in this Test.

Tough conditions for the quick bowlers though.

[MenInG]

Afridi to Wahab's rescue!

Good luck for the ODIs and third Test against S. Africa to team Pakistan. I feel that if pace is what we are lacking we should try and give a chance to Wahab Riaz in the squad. All the best Pakistan! ����

— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) January 9, 2019

[coy0607]

Afridi to Wahab's rescue!

Good luck for the ODIs and third Test against S. Africa to team Pakistan. I feel that if pace is what we are lacking we should try and give a chance to Wahab Riaz in the squad. All the best Pakistan! ����

— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) January 9, 2019

I was waiting for someone bring up Wahab for SA, a little surprised it took this long

theoretically it makes sense. But Shaheen, Amir, Hassan are all better bowlers than Wahab, and Faheem is probably not far off either

[Savak]

Wahab being a hit the deck pacy option should have been considered for the SA tour considering he was our best bowler on the Aus tour in 2017. However that depends on whether he still has his pace.

[topspin]

Bring back Wahab and we'll see more repeats of the Trent Bridge humiliation. He was the very reason why England were able to score in excess of 400 (444-3 after 50 overs). This was the highest score in ODIs from August 2016 up until June 2018 when England managed to score 481 against a second string Aussie attack at the same ground.

Wahab doesn't deserve a place in the side (even if he can still 150+) and lets not forget the WC is in England where he has suffered the most. Goes to show how clueless Shahid Afridi is and hence why he was a poor captain (by his own admission after the 2016 WT20).

[MMHS]

I think, PAK is also missing ability to bowl Yorkers in last overs - Umar Gul ko bhi bula lo bhai; he was great with his toe crushers in 2007-2010 period. Add to that Irfan - he can bounce out few batsmen. Also, swinging new ball seems to be a problem and they use 2 balls these days - any chance for Wasim Bhai to make a come back?

[BreadPakoda]

Afridi to Wahab's rescue!

Good luck for the ODIs and third Test against S. Africa to team Pakistan. I feel that if pace is what we are lacking we should try and give a chance to Wahab Riaz in the squad. All the best Pakistan! ����

— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) January 9, 2019

Maybe could have been given a go in the tests. Definitely not in ODIs.

[hadi123]

Afridi to Wahab's rescue!

Good luck for the ODIs and third Test against S. Africa to team Pakistan. I feel that if pace is what we are lacking we should try and give a chance to Wahab Riaz in the squad. All the best Pakistan! ����

— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) January 9, 2019

No thanks. Wahab Riaz is not what we need, not to mention the amount of no balls and wides he bowls.

[TeymurBlake]

Surely we should move on from Viki now. No more Wahab.

[aukhan]

If Sarfraz wants pace then only Wahab is your answer....the rest of the bowlers in domestic are medium pace trundlers.

[Zeeraq]

Wahab Riaz took 3 wickets for 15 runs in 2.5 overs in BPL today.

[MenInG]

I am not sure if this new wicket-taking celebration is in good taste!

[MenInG]

Most wickets in PSL history:

Wahab Riaz 50
Mohammad Sami 38
Mohammad Nawaz 32
Sohail Khan 30
Mohammad Amir 30#PSL4

— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) February 15, 2019

[Abdullah719]

[Chokli]

I am not sure if this new wicket-taking celebration is in good taste!

agreed

[MenInG]

Wahab Riaz speaking to the press last night


"As far as personal goals are concerned, I would like to perform well here so that I get a chance to play for Pakistan before the World Cup"

"To play the World Cup is my main goal and I intend to put in more such performances so that I can get the attention of the selectors"

"When you are out of the national side, it does bother you; its my passion to play for Pakistan and regardless of which league I play in, the idea is to do so to put my case forward for selectors to consider"

"As far as playing for Pakistan is concerned, no amount of playing in any league can equal that"

"I got a chance to play in a Test match against Australia and I could not perform well in it, so there is disappointment there"

"But I am going to work hard and I am hoping that the Almighty will reward me for my hard-work"

"I am very happy about the record of first to 50 wickets in PSL, I really like that record and the fact that I am consistently performing for my franchise and I will do my best to get as many wickets as I can during this season and be in the running for the award of best bowler"

"As far as my celebration is concerned, lot of people were asking what happened to my old style which was to touch my mustache, so this current one is about marking a wicket by crossing out another batsman's name after getting him out so that is my celebration"

"The way Umar Akmal played, he needs to be praised for that and he singlehandedly took the match away from us"

"If Umar Akmal had been out at that stage (dropped catch) then all pressure would have been out on Sarfaraz and then we would have had more chances to win the match"

[saeed5646]

He is not smart guy .if he was he should have learned from last year psl sledging with sarfraz .yesterday he repeated same mistake when got the wicket of sarfraz and give him unique send off.

one should never sledge with standing captain for pakistan when you are keen for the comeback.

[TalentSpotterPk]

He is not smart guy .if he was he should have learned from last year psl sledging with sarfraz .yesterday he repeated same mistake when got the wicket of sarfraz and give him unique send off.

one should never sledge with standing captain for pakistan when you are keen for the comeback.

Sledging ? Last year event between the two was sledging ? How come ?



I am sure Sarfraz is not going to block Wahab's return because of his new Celebration style which is for all batsmen he dismisses and not just Sarfraz.


Wahab is not out of Pakistan team on account of whether he is smart person or not. He is out of team because of performances which were not up to standards and even below Wahab's own standards.


His New Celebration is manifestation of

" Another One Bites The Dust " in terms of Cricket only.

[Slim]

Cringe

[MenInG]

The Wahab Riaz wicket-taking celebration. Wahab says it's about marking a wicket by crossing out a batsman's name after getting him out #PSL4 pic.twitter.com/uXMrqfMJCr

— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) February 17, 2019

[LegendAli]

This guy has been doing these weird celebrations for some time now, has everyone forgotten the stache touch from last PSL?

[Mueez]

Step 1) Get rid of your weird celebrations.
Step 2) Get a cricketing brain.
Step 3) Perform.

Get back in the team.

[iRfaN_LA]

For goodness sake, stop your cringey celebrations. It just looks pathetic. Focus on cricket, don’t be a joker

[Square Drive]

Select him and restrict him to T20Is.

Different bowlers for different formats. Only Hasan & Shaheen should be considered for all 3 formats right now, but even then, I'd rest them in selective games and maybe prevent Hasan from playing T20Is.

[Chokli]

Step 1) Get rid of your weird celebrations.
Step 2) Get a cricketing brain.
Step 3) Perform.

Get back in the team.

This guy has been doing these weird celebrations for some time now, has everyone forgotten the stache touch from last PSL?

For goodness sake, stop your cringey celebrations. It just looks pathetic. Focus on cricket, don’t be a joker

pakistanis always finding a reason to complain

lol he can do whatever celebrations he wants, t20 is fun cricket.



it be different if he was doing it while representing pakistan

[LegendAli]

pakistanis always finding a reason to complain

lol he can do whatever celebrations he wants, t20 is fun cricket.



it be different if he was doing it while representing pakistan

Fun cricket? sure, but for Riaz it's the only cricket.

If he treats this as "fun cricket" than who in their right mind will let him play for Pakistan again?

[Zeeraq]

Would he have been a better selection?

[Mamoon]

Would he have been a better selection?

For England. They would have scored 400.

[waleed88]

Nice to see a statement from Wahab Riaz come in right at the time of this carnage on his instagram. Cashing in on the demise of our current bowling attack.

[Invincible Gujjar]

He is obviously much better than these trundlers.He definitely should have been selected but captain pathetic wanted to select his buddies.sharamful captain.

[Mercurial]

No to knee jerk reactions, please. He would have conceded 100 runs today for sure.

[b.lesner]

Last time England scored 400 against pakistan wahba riaz conceded 110

[Cpt. Rishwat]

No to knee jerk reactions, please. He would have conceded 100 runs today for sure.

Or he might have taken some key wickets. Riaz is unpredictable, but he has serious pace, and he has bowled great finishing spells against good teams before. The attack looks pop gun at the moment, and it's not like they have great accuracy either.

[Chokli]

Or he might have taken some key wickets. Riaz is unpredictable, but he has serious pace, and he has bowled great finishing spells against good teams before. The attack looks pop gun at the moment, and it's not like they have great accuracy either.

They would have conceded 400 again if Wahab was playing

[MenInG]

For his all round performance, Wahab was the Man of the Match for Southern Punjab vs KP

Took 3/28 and then hit 42* to help his side to their first win of the Nat T20

[Abdullah719]

9-ball over to start with in Australia.

[Gabbar Singh]

9-ball over to start with in Australia.

Guy is so passionate that he wants to bowl as many balls as he can for Pakistan.

[Mean&Green]

Oh tenu rab da waasta ii gujra vey chad de maskinaan di jaan te peshwar zalmi jah ke Muuchan nu watt de le Pakistan di jaan chad de

[Rayyman]

Wahab is well suited for Asian conditions. He didn't bowl well here. As expected. His bowling action doesn't allow for extra bounce.

I would replace him with Hasnain who is better suited for Australian pitches.