Wahab Riaz Pulls Out of National T20 Cup Amidst Fan Backlash

Former Pakistani cricket player and national selector Wahab Riaz has made the decision to not compete in the National T20 Cup, Pakistan's domestic T20 competition. In a television program, Salman Butt made the announcement. Following his impressive all-around performance in the Trail for Lahore Greens, Wahab was scheduled to play for Lahore Whites.

Four years ago, Riaz left the game. The 39-year-old then worked for the squad as a national selector and assistant coach. Wahab was scheduled to play for the Lahore Greens in the National T20 Cup, an upcoming domestic T20 competition in Pakistan.

But when his name surfaced, supporters started making fun of him for replacing young players, which drew a lot of criticism. They think that since he is retired and has experience as a selector, he doesn't need to take any spots. Now, it appears that he has pulled out of the competition.

Wahab Riaz Under Fire:

Wahab Riaz's choice may have been influenced by it, as Qadir Khawaja claims that the bowler chose to withdraw due to his Champions Cup engagements and personal obligations. Wahab Riaz was active in the PSL until 2023, however, his last appearance for Pakistan was in 2020.

Riaz cited personal obligations and engagements as the basis for his withdrawal from the tournament. For the Lahore team, which has won the championship five times, this is undoubtedly a major setback. After players like Sohail Khan and Anwar Ali, Wahab Riaz is the tournament's third-highest wicket-taker.

Despite having a short career, Wahab Riaz has been one of the best bowlers in the shortest format, taking the most wickets (including domestic T20s). He was undoubtedly one of the brightest stars of Pakistan's bowling attack in the past. In 348 Twenty20 matches, Wahab has claimed 413 wickets with an economy rate of 7.54 and an average of 22.63. His best statistics in the format are 5/8, and he has taken three five-wicket hauls.

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