Pakistan stalwart Wahab Riaz announces retirement from international cricket

Islamabad: Pakistan quick Wahab Riaz has announced his retirement from international cricket.

Wahab retires with more than 150 appearances for his country, with the majority of those coming in white-ball cricket where he excelled while bowling with the new ball.

The left-armer appeared at the three most recent editions of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup and managed a magnificent five-wicket haul for Pakistan against arch-rival India at the semi-final stage of the 2011 tournament in Mohali, an ICC report on Wednesday said.

The 38-year-old has not played for his country since he featured in a T20I against New Zealand in Hamilton at the end of 2020 and believes the time is right to depart from the international game.

"I have been speaking about my retirement plans past two years, that 2023 is my target to retire from international cricket, and I feel comfortable now more than ever that I have served my country and national team to the best I could have," Wahab said.

Wahab retires with 237 wickets for Pakistan since making his international debut against Zimbabwe in 2008.

"It has been an honour and a privilege to represent Pakistan on the international stage,” Wahab said.

"As I bid farewell to this chapter, I am thrilled to embark on a new adventure in franchise cricket, where I hope to entertain and inspire audiences while competing against some of the best talents in the world," he added. (UNI)