Left-arm Pakistan pacer Wahab Riaz is planning to retire from international cricket after the 2023 World Cup in India. The 36-year-old pacer, who has played 27 Tests, 91 ODIs and 36 T20Is, has not been a regular in the Pakistan team for quite some time and was also overlooked for the T20 World Cup.
“Everybody has to say goodbye to cricket one day. But my target is to play till the 2023 World Cup, that is, if I stay fit and my passion for the game remains strong. Obviously if I am performing then I will go ahead,” Wahab said in an interview.
He said, ‘I think I still have two or three years of good cricket left in me.
“I have been in and out of the national team for a while, but I have also been playing in domestic cricket and in various leagues including the Pakistan Super League and I have been doing well which is keeping me going.”
The pacer, who appeared as an expert on A Sports channel for the World Cup, said that he firmly believes that he can be around as a performing player till 2023.
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“I believe that simple age does not matter as long as a player is fit and is performing and enjoying his cricket. Many such examples are being seen in today’s time.
In modern cricket, there has been a lot of improvement in fitness level, diet and all these things so times have changed.
Wahab said in Pakistan Cricket Unfortunately there are many instances when players are sidelined because of their age.
“I have nothing against young players, obviously you need them in the team. They bring with them energy and a future. But the point is that experience, especially as a fast bowler, is very important especially in T20 cricket these days,” he added.
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Wahab said that he is disappointed to be ruled out of the World Cup but he can understand the policy of the selectors.
“My job is just to focus on doing well as a player, that’s what I have in control.
“If I can play next year t20 world cup Or the event of 2023 it will be great.”
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