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Former Pakistani cricketer and left-arm fast bowler/right-handed batsman Wahab Riaz was born on June 28, 1985. He averaged around 90 mph (144.8 km/h) and reached 96 mph (154 km/h) when he bowled. His outstanding play in the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup catapulted him to international prominence. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) handed him and 32 other players a central contract for the upcoming 2018-19 season in August of 2018. Riaz decided to switch his attention from red-ball cricket to shorter forms in September of 2019. In June of 2020, however, he announced his intention to play Test cricket again, particularly in light of Pakistan's upcoming visit to England.
Wahab Riaz was born in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan, into a Gujjar family. His father, Muhammad Sikandar Riaz Kasana, was a businessman. Riaz received his education from the esteemed Aitchison College in Lahore. He is married to Zainab Chaudhary, and the couple is blessed with three children: two daughters, Eshal (born in 2015) and Hoorain (born in 2020), and a son, Sikandar (born in 2023), named in honor of his late father.
Riaz's cricketing journey began with domestic teams before making his mark in the international arena. He was selected for Pakistan's T20I squad for a tri-series that included India. In his debut match, he showcased his potential by taking three wickets for just 22 runs in 7 overs. His Test debut came against England in the third test of the 2010 series, where he took an impressive 5/63 in the first innings and scored 27 runs batting at number 3.
Riaz's career saw many ups and downs, but his dedication and passion for the game remained unwavering.He played an important role in the 2010 Test series against South Africa, taking significant wickets before getting injured.In the 2011 Cricket World Cup, Riaz made headlines by taking 5 wickets in the Pakistan vs. India semi-final, stepping in as a replacement for Shoaib Akhtar.
His performances in the T20 format were also commendable. He played for Kent in county cricket, where he made significant contributions, including a T20 hat-trick against Gloucestershire, which helped his team secure an eight-wicket victory. This was the second time a player achieved a T20 hat-trick for Kent. Riaz collected 13 first-class wickets at an average of 33.53, 9 in list A cricket at an average of 13.33, and 20 in T20 matches at an average of 19.85 during his time with Kent.
Riaz received a category B central contract from the PCB in August. He continued to be a vital part of the Pakistani cricket team, contributing in various formats and series. However, his journey was not without challenges. In August 2016, he conceded 110 runs in his stipulated 10 overs, marking the second-worst bowling figure ever in ODI cricket. Despite such setbacks, Riaz's commitment to the game never wavered, and he continued to be a force to reckon with on the cricket field. Wahab Riaz's journey from his early life to his entry and subsequent success in cricket is a testament to his dedication, hard work, and passion for the game. His contributions to Pakistani cricket, both as a fast bowler and a batsman, have left an indelible mark, making him one of the notable figures in the sport.
Wahab Riaz's cricketing journey is marked by numerous achievements and highlights that have solidified his place in the annals of cricket history. One of the most notable moments in his career was his performance in the 2015 Cricket World Cup. He was named in Pakistan's squad for the tournament, and his all-round performance, especially against Zimbabwe where he scored 54 not out off 46 balls and took 4 wickets, earned him worldwide recognition. In the same tournament, during the quarterfinal match against Australia, Riaz's aggressive bowling spell against Shane Watson became the talk of the cricketing world. Many cricketers, both current and from the past, praised his fierce spell. It was the "Best spell of bowling by a foreigner on Aussie soil for years," as Kevin Pietersen put it. One of cricket's all-time great batters, Brian Lara, has volunteered to cover the ICC punishment that was issued to Riaz after his verbal incident with Watson.
In the 2019 Cricket World Cup, Riaz was once again a key player for Pakistan. Throughout the tournament, he consistently started and managed to take 11 wickets in 8 games.During this tournament, he surpassed Imran Khan's tally of 34 wickets, becoming Pakistan's 2nd highest wicket-taker in World Cup history.
Wahab Riaz's statistics speak volumes about his contribution to the game. In Test cricket, he played 27 matches, scoring 306 runs and taking 83 wickets with a best bowling figure of 5/63. In One Day Internationals (ODIs), he played 91 matches, scored 740 runs, and took 120 wickets with a best bowling figure of 5/46. His First-Class and List A records are also commendable, with 136 and 191 matches respectively, scoring 2,675 and 1,470 runs, and taking 441 and 260 wickets.
Riaz's T20 franchise career is equally impressive. He was a Platinum category player in the 2016 Pakistan Super League (PSL) and was bought by Peshawar Zalmi for $140,000 for the 2016 competition. He has played for Zalmi in every edition of the PSL. On February 18, 2022, Riaz became the first player to take 100 wickets in the PSL for Peshawar.Apart from the PSL, Riaz has played in various other T20 leagues around the world, including the Afghanistan Premier League, Global T20 Canada, Mzansi Super League, Bangladesh Premier League, Lanka Premier League, and The Hundred in England. In January 2023, while playing for the Khulna Tigers in the Bangladesh Premier League, he became the first Pakistani bowler to take 400 T20 wickets. Wahab Riaz's cricketing career is a testament to his skill, dedication, and passion for the game. His achievements and statistics reflect his significant contribution to the sport, making him one of the most notable cricketers of his generation.
Wahab Riaz, with his tall frame and athletic build, has always been a sight to behold on the cricket pitch. His bowling style is aggressive, often characterised by a short run-up that culminates in a high-arm action. This technique allows him to extract extra bounce from the pitch, making him a formidable opponent, especially on surfaces that offer some assistance to the pacers.
As a left-arm fast bowler, Riaz has the ability to swing the ball both ways. His in-swingers, in particular, have been the bane of many top-order batsmen. His pace, often touching the 90 mph mark, combined with his ability to move the ball, makes him a lethal weapon in Pakistan's bowling arsenal.
In addition to his bowling prowess, Riaz is a handy batsman. While he may not have the technique of a top-order player, his ability to hit the ball hard and long has often come in handy for Pakistan, especially in the lower order. He has a natural aggression in his batting, often taking on the bowlers and changing the momentum of the game with his cameos.
2015 Cricket World Cup Spell against Australia: One of the most memorable moments in Riaz's career was his fiery spell against Australia in the 2015 Cricket World Cup quarterfinal. His duel with Shane Watson was the highlight of the match. Riaz consistently bowled at speeds above 90 mph, testing Watson with short-pitched deliveries. This spell was lauded by many cricketing legends, with Kevin Pietersen describing it as the "Best spell of bowling by a foreigner on Aussie soil for years."
Invitation to Brian Lara: After his spell against Australia in the 2015 World Cup, West Indies legend Brian Lara expressed his admiration for Riaz and his desire to meet him. In response, Riaz graciously invited Lara to visit Pakistan.
First Pakistani to 400 T20 Wickets: Riaz's consistency and skill in the T20 format have been remarkable. In January 2023, while playing for the Khulna Tigers in the Bangladesh Premier League, he achieved the milestone of 400 T20 wickets, becoming the first Pakistani player to do so.
Political Stint: Apart from his cricketing achievements, Riaz has also ventured into politics. In January 2023, he was named Punjab's caretaker sports minister. Later in March, he took charge as Advisor to the Chief Minister of Punjab on Sports Affairs.
Diverse T20 Franchise Career: Riaz's skills in the T20 format have been in demand across various T20 leagues worldwide. He has played in the Afghanistan Premier League, Global T20 Canada, Mzansi Super League, Bangladesh Premier League, Lanka Premier League, The Hundred in England, and, most notably, the Pakistan Super League where he has been a mainstay for Peshawar Zalmi. Wahab Riaz's cricketing journey is filled with memorable moments and achievements that have not only made him a stalwart for Pakistan but also a respected figure in the global cricketing community.
Wahab Riaz's journey in the world of cricket is a testament to his sheer determination, skill, and passion for the game. From his early days in Lahore to representing Pakistan on the global stage, Riaz has consistently showcased his prowess, both as a fast bowler and a lower-order batsman. His aggressive style, combined with his ability to swing the ball at high speeds, has made him one of the most feared pacers of his generation.
Beyond his individual performances, Riaz's impact on cricket, especially in Pakistan, is profound. He has been a role model for many budding cricketers, showing them that with hard work and dedication, one can overcome challenges and achieve greatness. His legacy is not just limited to the records he set or the wickets he took but also in the inspiration he provided to countless young players.
Riaz's foray into politics and his role as Punjab's sports minister further underscores his commitment to the betterment of sports in Pakistan. As he transitions from his active cricketing career, there's no doubt that his influence will continue to be felt, both on and off the field.
FAQs:
When did Wahab Riaz make his debut for Pakistan?
Wahab Riaz made his Test debut for Pakistan against England in the third test of the 2010 series
What is one of the most memorable moments of Riaz's career?
One of the most memorable moments is his aggressive bowling spell against Shane Watson during the 2015 Cricket World Cup quarterfinal.
Which T20 leagues has Wahab Riaz played in?
Riaz has played in various T20 leagues including the Pakistan Super League, Afghanistan Premier League, Global T20 Canada, Mzansi Super League, Bangladesh Premier League, Lanka Premier League, and The Hundred in England.
What milestone did Wahab Riaz achieve in January 2023?
In January 2023, while playing for the Khulna Tigers in the Bangladesh Premier League, Wahab Riaz became the first Pakistani bowler to take 400 T20 wickets.
Has Wahab Riaz ventured outside of cricket?
Yes, in January 2023, Wahab Riaz was named Punjab's caretaker sports minister and later took charge as Advisor to the Chief Minister of Punjab on Sports Affairs.
