Videos Live Scores Podcasts Opinion Interviews Business of Sport Inside Story Football Cricket Tennis Formula One Golf NBA UFC UAE Racquet Sports Fitness

Wahab Riaz determined to represent Pakistan in 2019 World Cup in England

Waseem Ahmed

16:51 29/08/2018

Pakistan’s Wahab Riaz has not featured for the ODI side since 2017 but the pacer remains determined to force his way back into contention for the 2019 World Cup to be held in England.

The 33-year-old last appeared for the men in green in a Test against Sri Lanka in October last year but has not been picked in any format ever since.

“It’s never easy to try and find a permanent place in a strong team like Pakistan which is doing so well at the moment,” Wahab said in an interview with Pak Passion.

“This is especially true when you are talking about Pakistan’s very effective bowling line-up but I know that I made my debut for Pakistan when our bowling was very strong and it happened due to my hard work. I was able to convince the selection committee then and I believe I can do it again.

“At the moment, being selected for the 2019 World Cup for Pakistan and performing well is my main, and only, priority at this time. There is also the 2020 World T20 on the horizon but I am firmly focused on playing in the 2019 World Cup at the moment.”

The pacer has not featured for his country since October, 2017.

The left-armed pacer has played 26 Tests, 79 ODIs and 27 T20s for Pakistan ever since he made his debut in 2008. However, his long term future with Pakistan remains bleak, especially after coach Mickey Arthur’s comments on him after the pacer was not picked in the 25-man probables for the tour of England and Ireland earlier this summer.

“He (Wahab) has not won us a game in two years. I expect players that have been around for a long time to be winning us games and setting standards,” Arthur had told ESPNCricinfo then.

Wahab though, has not given up hopes on pulling on the Pakistan jersey once again.

“It is my only desire as a professional cricketer and as a Pakistani to continue playing for my country,” he said.

“Playing for your country gives one great satisfaction. Moreover, being selected to play for a strong team like Pakistan means that you have to be one of the best fast-bowlers in the world, so it’s a matter of honour and pride to see your name on the Pakistan team list and something I will never give up on.

“I am 33 but my fitness and ambition has never been stronger. I used to think that the fascination of playing for Pakistan would fade with time. But, if anything, my passion to represent Pakistan has only grown and become stronger than ever before.”

Having not been picked in the Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming Asia Cup, the pacer is currently representing the Barbados Tridents in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

 

 

 

More from international-cricket

ONE Championship three-weight king reacts to praise from UFC champ Islam Makhachev

ONE166: Qatar – Anatoly Malykhin makes history on incredible night in Middle East

ONE 166 Qatar: Amir Aliakbari impresses on otherwise tough night for Middle East fighters

ONE 166: Qatar card made official as key fighters pass hydration and make weight

Video: Press conference gets heated ahead of historic ONE 166: Qatar showdown

ONE 166: Qatar – The three title matches set to grip the fight world this week

Most Popular