Former Pakistan pacer Wahab Riaz came out of retirement to play in a domestic T20 competition but reversed his decision hours later amid backlash.
Wahab, who retired from international cricket in 2023, made a notable return to the cricket field by participating in a Lahore Region Cricket Association trial match at Aligarh Ground. The match was part of the ongoing trials for the National T20 Cup. Wahab had a strong all-round performance representing the Lahore Greens. He took 1-25 in three overs, including the wicket of Rana Arsalan, and contributed 31 runs with the bat, which included three sixes.
His decision to come out of retirement was not well-received: it reignited the debate about former players taking spots that could go to younger talents in domestic cricket.
Amid backlash, Wahab made a U-turn on his decision to come out of retirement, confirmed former Pakistan captain Salman Butt on a television show named 'Champions Zone'.
Salman Butt: Wahab Riaz ruled himself out of Lahore's squad for the National T20.
— Abdul Rehman Shahbaz Khan (@arskhan04) March 9, 2025
Shukar hai, ghairat aa gayi.#PakistanCricket pic.twitter.com/opbzJRpfxT
Since his international retirement, Wahab has served the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in various capacities. He was appointed chief selector in November 2023, when Pakistan underwent wholesale management changes following a disappointing ODI World Cup, but was removed months later after his team’s poor performance in the T20 World Cup. His most recent stint was during the Champions Trophy when he was made the event’s supervisor and Pakistan’s mentor for the tournament.
Now 39, Wahab last represented Pakistan in 2020, though he competed in the Pakistan Super League until 2023. Recently, he also completed PCB’s Level-2 Coaching Course.
The National T20 Cup, Pakistan’s premier domestic T20 competition, kicks off later this month, with champions Karachi Whites aiming to defend their title.
