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'World cup specialist bowler'- Fans react as Wahab Riaz retires from international cricket to play franchise cricket

Pakistan pacer Wahab Riaz has retired from international cricket. The 38-year-old pacer will continue to play in franchise cricket.

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Rohit Kumar
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Wahab Riaz

Wahab Riaz (Source- Twitter)

Pakistan pacer Wahab Riaz has retired from international cricket. The 38-year-old pacer will continue to play in franchise cricket. He ended a 15-year career for his country. The pacer was part of the Pakistan cricket team in the 2011, 2015, and 2019 World Cups.

He will be remembered for his fiery spell during the 2015 World Cup campaign against five-time world champions Australia. The face-off began when Watson made fun of Riaz's batting ability in the first innings. In reply, Riaz bowled a fiery fast-bowling spell that rattled Watson and the Australian team. David Warner and Michael Clarke, were both out during that spell, leaving them at 59 for 3 in the 11th over. In spite of his sensational bowling spell, Pakistan lost the match.

It has been an honour and a privilege to represent Pakistan on the international stage: Wahab Riaz

Wahab Riaz took to Twitter to announce his retirement decision from international cricket. He released a statement where he revealed that he was thinking about hanging his boots for the last couple of years.

Wahab Riaz stated, "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."

"It has been an honor and a privilege to represent Pakistan on the international stage. 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 came into the limelight in 2011 when he picked up a five-wicket haul against India during the World Cup semifinal. Pakistan, however, ended up on the losing side. The veteran pacer played 27 Tests, 91 ODIs and 36 T20Is for Pakistan. He picked up 83 wickets in Test cricket at an average of 34.50, 120 in ODIs at 34.30, while in T20Is, he had 34 wickets at 28.55. He last played for Pakistan during their bilateral series against New Zealand in December 2020.

Here's how fans reacted:Β 

Pakistan