Wahab Riaz forced to return to Pakistan over visa issues, to miss first few matches of The Hundred

Pakistan speedster Wahab Riaz has been forced to return to Pakistan after failing to produce proper visa papers. The veteran fast bowler who has an uncanny knack of unsettling any top-class batsmen on his day was signed by the Trent Rockets in the upcoming tournament The Hundred which is slated to be played in England.

The left-arm pacer doesn't have the work visa to play in the competition and was subsequently sent back to Pakistan. Riaz is set to reapply for the work permit and is expected to join the Nottingham based team pretty soon.

Meanwhile, the franchise might be looking for a short term replacement which was confirmed by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

"We are aware that Wahab Riaz has had an issue with his visa and is travelling back to Pakistan to prepare the correct paperwork. Trent Rockets will arrange for a short-term replacement if required," a spokesman for The Hundred was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz on July 9.

Meanwhile speaking on this development, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said that it was not in their control especially when the matter is not related to the board.

Wahab Riaz was earlier snapped up by the Rockets as a replacement for the Australian pacer Nathan Coulter-Nile. He had pulled out of the tournament citing bubble fatigue issues.

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