Wahab Riaz Takes Indefinite Break From Red-Ball Cricket

While he hasn't ruled out his return to red-ball cricket in the future, the left-armer stressed that he would do so only if he's convinced that he can perform

Veteran Pakistan speedster Wahab Riaz has decided to take an indefinite break from the red-ball cricket format of the game so as to keep himself fit and focused on the shorter formats. He made the announcement on Thursday after conveying his decision to the Pakistan Cricket Board. “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,” Riaz said in a statement released by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Thursday.

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

Following his decision, the left-arm speedster has also withdrawn from the upcoming Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, the first-class competition in Pakistan. While he hasn't ruled out his return to red-ball cricket in the future, the left-armer stressed that he would do so only if he's convinced that he can perform. “During this period, I will like to focus on 50-over and 20-over cricket and continue to assess my fitness for the longer version of the game. At a stage I feel I cannot only return but also perform with the red-ball, I would make myself available,” he added. The 34-year-old last made a Test appearance against Australia in October 2018. Having made his Test debut in 2010, Riaz has featured in 27 Tests for Pakistan, grabbing 83 wickets.