Pakistan pacer Wahab Riaz takes indefinite break from red-ball cricket, wants to focus on limited-overs cricket

Pakistan‘s seasoned left-arm fast bowler Wahab Riaz on Thursday announced taking indefinite break from the longest format of the game, saying he will concentrate on one-day and T20 cricket for the time being.

Wahab said he will not play in the revamped Quaid-e-Azam Trophy first class tournament which kicks off from Saturday.

He said he will be concentrating on the shorter formats of the game. He also said he may be returning to red-ball cricket at a later date.

ALSO READ: Pakistan pacer Wahab Riaz set to retire from Test cricket: Report

“After reviewing my past couple of years’ performances in red-ball cricket and the upcoming limited overs cricket, I have decided to take time off from first-class cricket,” Wahab said.

After a lot of thinking and discussions with my family and board, I have decided to take a break from red-ball cricket and maintain my fitness and focus on the shorter format for my country. It was a tough decision and I appreciate my Board’s support and guidance during this time

— Wahab Riaz (@WahabViki) September 12, 2019

“During this period, I will like to focus on 50-over and 20-over cricket, and continue to access my fitness for the longer version of the game. At a stage I feel I can not only return but also perform with the red-ball, I would make myself available,” he added.

There was speculation about Wahab also contemplating quitting Test cricket and the senior player confirmed that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had been trying to convince him to pursue his career with red-ball.

“But today I met them to convey my decision. I am grateful for their understanding and support,” Wahab said.

ALSO READ: Pakistan Cricket Board pumps in Rs 1 billion to domestic cricket

Wahab, 34, was a last minute selection for the recent World Cup after being kept out of the one-day international side for two-years and he returned as one of Pakistan’s successful bowlers in the tournament.

He last played a Test in October last year against Australia to take his tally of Test appearances to 27 while he has played in 87 ODIs and 27 T20 Internationals.

Meanwhile, senior all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez will also not be appearing in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy as he is playing in the Caribbean Premier League. Hafeez, who has retired from Test, will however be available for the national one-day and T20 cups.