Wahab Riaz still not giving hope of playing the T20 World Cup despite exclusion from England tour

Veteran Pakistan fast bowler Wahab Riaz is not giving up hopes of being a part of the Pakistan squad for the ICC T20 World Cup slated to start in UAE and Oman from 17th October. Riaz was excluded from Pakistan’s tour of England and West Indies which will serve as a preparation for the showpiece event. 

While the left-arm pacer was disappointed over his exclusion but is optimistic of making it to the World Cup squad despite being not aware of the kind of plans the current Pakistan selectors have in store for some of the senior Pakistan cricketers. 

“Obviously, I am disappointed at my exclusion from the England and WI tours after my recent performances. But criteria of selection is a question for the selection committee but I think whoever performs well should be selected,” Wahab told the media in Lahore. 

“They might have their reasons but as a senior performer I am disappointed at missing out,” he added.

Wahab Riaz has been a star performer for Pakistan over the years. While his consistency has been an issue over a period of time, there is no denying the fact that he is one of the best in the business going around especially in the white-ball circuit. 

Some of his spells especially in the 2011 World Cup semi-final against India and the 2015 World Cup quarter-final against Australia stands out. He has so far played 27 Tests, 91 ODIs and 36 T20s for the national team with 237 wickets under his belt. 

“I have not given up hope of playing in the World T20 this year and I think senior players as long as they are fit and performing should be considered for selection,” he said.

Wahab is not sure with what issues do the selectors have with some of the senior members of the national team. 

“I don’t know exactly what issue people have with senior players. Perhaps youngsters listen to what is told to them, while seniors always have their own say in matters and you have to convince them,” he said.

Quite a few senior players have been shown the way by the current selection committee which is headed by Muhammad Wasim and head coach Misbah-ul-Haq. Players like Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Amir and Shoaib Malik has been ignored for a year and it remains to be seen what future lies ahead for them for the national team.