Wahab Riaz

{{Infobox officeholder

| honorific-prefix =

| name = Wahab Riaz

| nickname = Viki{{cite news|url=https://www.samaaenglish.tv/news/2326714|title=In pictures: Wahab Riaz celebrates daughter's first birthday|date=25 May 2021|access-date=6 November 2022|work=SAMAA TV|quote=...Wahab, also known by his nickname Viki...}}

| image = Wahab Riaz.jpg

| image_upright =

| alt =

| caption = Wahab in 2017

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1985|6|28|df=yes}}

| birth_place = Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan

| height =

| office = Chief Selector of Pakistan national cricket team

| term_start = 17 November 2023

| term_end = 10 July 2024

| predecessor = Inzamam-ul-Haq

| successor =

| office2 = Advisor to the Chief Minister of Punjab for Sports and Youth Affairs

| term_start2 = 22 March 2023

| term_end2 = 27 February 2024

| module = {{Infobox cricketer

| embed = yes

| country = Pakistan

| batting = Right-handed

| bowling = Left-arm fast

| role = Bowler

| international = true

| internationalspan = 2008–2020

| testdebutdate = 18 August

| testdebutyear = 2010

| testdebutagainst = England

| testcap = 202

| lasttestdate = 7 October

| lasttestyear = 2018

| lasttestagainst = Australia

| odidebutdate = 2 February

| odidebutyear = 2008

| odidebutagainst = Zimbabwe

| odicap = 174

| lastodidate = 3 November

| lastodiyear = 2020

| lastodiagainst = Zimbabwe

| odishirt = 47

| T20Idebutdate = 20 April

| T20Idebutyear = 2008

| T20Idebutagainst = Bangladesh

| T20Icap = 24

| lastT20Idate = 20 December

| lastT20Iyear = 2020

| lastT20Iagainst = New Zealand

| T20Ishirt = 47

| club1 = Lahore{{efn|Only clubs that Wahab has played for in more than one season are included in this list.}}

| year1 = {{nowrap|2001/02–2018/19}}

| club2 = Hyderabad

| year2 = {{nowrap|2003/04–2004/05}}

| club3 = National Bank of Pakistan

| year3 = {{nowrap|2006/07–2014/15}}

| club4 = Punjab

| year4 = {{nowrap|2006/07–2014/15}}

| club5 = Peshawar Zalmi

| year5 = 2016–2023

| club6 = Barbados Tridents

| year6 = 2017–2018

| club7 = WAPDA

| year7 = {{nowrap|2017/18–2018/19}}

| club8 = Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

| year8 = {{nowrap|2018/19–2020/21}}

| club9 = Central Punjab

| year9 = {{nowrap|2021/22–2022/23}}

| columns = 4

| column1 = Test

| matches1 = 27

| runs1 = 306

| bat avg1 = 8.50

| 100s/50s1 = 0/0

| top score1 = 39

| deliveries1 = 5,018

| wickets1 = 83

| bowl avg1 = 34.50

| fivefor1 = 2

| tenfor1 = 0

| best bowling1 = 5/63

| catches/stumpings1 = 5/–

| column2 = ODI

| matches2 = 91

| runs2 = 740

| bat avg2 = 14.50

| 100s/50s2 = 0/3

| top score2 = 54*

| deliveries2 = 4,327

| wickets2 = 120

| bowl avg2 = 34.30

| fivefor2 = 1

| tenfor2 = 0

| best bowling2 = 5/46

| catches/stumpings2 = 29/–

| column3 = FC

| matches3 = 136

| runs3 = 2,675

| bat avg3 = 16.51

| 100s/50s3 = 0/10

| top score3 = 84

| deliveries3 = 23,328

| wickets3 = 441

| bowl avg3 = 29.13

| fivefor3 = 16

| tenfor3 = 5

| best bowling3 = 9/59

| catches/stumpings3 = 41/–

| column4 = LA

| matches4 = 191

| runs4 = 1,470

| bat avg4 = 16.33

| 100s/50s4 = 0/5

| top score4 = 77

| deliveries4 = 8,917

| wickets4 = 260

| bowl avg4 = 30.81

| fivefor4 = 5

| tenfor4 = 0

| best bowling4 = 5/24

| catches/stumpings4 = 59/–

| date = 25 July

| year = 2022

| source = https://www.espncricinfo.com/cricketers/wahab-riaz-43590 ESPNcricinfo

}}

Wahab Riaz ({{langx|ur|وہاب ریاض}}; born 28 June 1985) is a Pakistani former cricketer and cricket administrator who was chief selector of Pakistan national cricket team from November 2023 to July 2024.

Riaz was a left-arm fast bowler and a right-handed batsman. He frequently bowled at speeds of around 90 mph (144.8 km/h) and had reached {{convert|96|mph||abbr=}}. His all round performance in ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 earned him worldwide recognition. In August 2018, he was one of 33 players to be awarded a central contract for the 2018–19 season by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).{{cite web|url=https://www.pcb.com.pk/press-release-detail/pcb-central-contracts-2018-19.html |title=PCB Central Contracts 2018–19 |work=Pakistan Cricket Board |date=10 January 2014 |access-date=6 August 2018}}{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/24301169/new-central-contracts-guarantee-earnings-boost-pakistan-players |title=New central contracts guarantee earnings boost for Pakistan players |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=6 August 2018}} In September 2019, Riaz announced that he would be taking a break from red-ball cricket to focus on the shorter formats of the game.{{cite web|url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/1341520 |title=Wahab Riaz takes break from red-ball cricket to focus on shorter formats |work=International Cricket Council |access-date=12 September 2019}} He also served as an advisor to the chief minister of Punjab for sports and youth affairs, in the caretaker government headed by Mohsin Raza Naqvi.{{cite web | url=https://www.pcb.com.pk/press-release-detail/wahab-riaz-to-head-national-men-s-selection-committee.html | title=Wahab Riaz to head national men's selection committee | date=10 January 2014 }}

Early life and family

Wahab Riaz was born on 28 June 1985 to businessman Sheikh Sikandar Riaz.{{cite news |author= |date=31 January 2017 |title=Wahab Riaz's father passes away |url=https://arysports.tv/wahab-riazs-father-passes-away/ |work=ARY News |access-date=12 June 2019 }}{{Cite web |title=Pakistani Cricketers And Their Wives At Wedding Of Wahab Riaz Sister |url=https://www.healthfasiondesk.com/pakistani-cricketers-and-their-wives-at-wedding-of-wahab-riaz-sister/ |access-date=2022-12-22 |website=Health Fashion |language=en-US}} He was born into a Muslim Gujjar family, originally hailing from Gujrat, Punjab.{{Cite web |last=Rajendiran |first=Veeran |date=2016-06-28 |title=14 Facts about Wahab Riaz: The merciless pace merchant |url=https://www.crictracker.com/14-facts-about-wahab-riaz-the-merciless-pace-merchant/ |access-date=2025-06-12 |website=CricTracker |language=en}} He studied at Aitchison College, Lahore.{{Cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/2011/04/19/wahab-riaz-a-profile/|title=Wahab Riaz: A profile|first=the|last=Newspaper|date=19 April 2011|website=DAWN.COM}} He is married to Zainab Chaudhary with the couple having three children.{{Cite web |date=17 March 2023 |title=Wahab Riaz names his son after his late father Sikandar |url=https://www.samaaenglish.tv/news/40032142 |website=Samaa}}

Cricket career

Riaz was chosen in Pakistan's T20I squad for the tri-series in Bangladesh which also included India. In his first match against Bangladesh, he finished with 3 wickets for 22 runs in 7 overs. In the next match against India, he took two wickets while conceding 85 runs.

Riaz made his Test debut against England in the third test of the 2010 series. England batted first and Riaz took 5/63 in the first innings. In Pakistan's first innings, he came into bat at number 3 and scored 27 runs.{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/426415.html |title=3rd Test: England v Pakistan at The Oval, Aug 18–21, 2010 |access-date=18 December 2011 |publisher=ESPNcricinfo}}

Riaz next played for Pakistan in the Test series against South Africa in October 2010 after he participated in 4 ODIs. He was selected to play in the first Test later in that series. He took the wickets of Graeme Smith and Hashim Amla before suffering a side strain later that day and was later ruled out from the test series.{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/pakistan-v-south-africa-2010/content/story/486862.html |title=Side strain rules Riaz out of South Africa series |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=1 September 2012}}

In March 2011, Riaz appeared for Pakistan for four matches. He performed notably, taking 5 wickets in the Pakistan vs India semi-final of the 2011 Cricket World Cup, where he appeared as a replacement for Shoaib Akhtar.{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/433605.html |title=Wahab Riaz Bowling Score Card |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=1 September 2012}}

Shortly after the World Cup, Pakistan toured the West Indies for two Tests, five ODIs, and a T20I; Riaz was included in the squad.{{citation |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/west-indies-v-pakistan-2011/content/story/511596.html |title='Chance to establish career' – Intikhab Alam |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |date=18 April 2011 |access-date=10 July 2011}} He took two wickets in the T20I, in a losing effort,{{citation |url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/314/314906.html |title=tt2147 itt199 West Indies v Pakistan: Pakistan in West Indies 2011 (Twenty20) |publisher=Cricket Archive |access-date=10 July 2011}} and played in four out of the five ODIs, taking seven wickets at an average of 25.28 and finishing as Pakistan's leading wicket-taker in the series.{{citation |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/bowling/most_wickets_career.html?id=6342;type=series |title=Records / Pakistan in West Indies ODI Series, 2011 / Most wickets |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=10 July 2011}} In a report to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on the team's performance in the West Indies, coach Waqar Younis commented that Riaz had an "average" tour.{{citation |url=http://www.dawn.com/2011/07/10/waqar-for-grooming-young-captain-for-2015-world-cup.html |title=Waqar calls for grooming of young captain for 2015 World Cup |newspaper=Dawn |first=Mohammad |last=Yaqoob |date=9 July 2011 |access-date=10 July 2011}} In May Pakistan toured Ireland for a two-match ODI series, and although Riaz was included in the squad he did not play a match.{{citation |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/bowling/most_wickets_career.html?id=6532;type=series |title=Records / Pakistan in Ireland ODI Series, 2011 / Most wickets |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=3 June 2011}}{{citation |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/pakistan/content/story/515781.html |title=Misbah replaces Afridi as ODI captain |first=Osman |last=Samiuddin |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |date=19 May 2011 |access-date=10 July 2011}}

After the tour of Ireland, Riaz entered talks with Kent, eventually signing to play for them in county cricket. The club had suffered injuries to their fast bowlers and Riaz was drafted in to bolster their line up.{{citation |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/county-cricket-2011/content/story/517766.html |title=Kent set to sign Wahab Riaz |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |date=4 June 2011 |access-date=29 June 2011}} He made his T20 debut for Kent against Glamorgan on 11 June. He took Chris Cooke's wicket, and guided his team to victory with a final batting score of 32 not out, hitting the winning runs after being sent in up the order.{{citation |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/county-cricket-2011/content/story/518733.html |title=Riaz, Northeast steer Kent home |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |date=11 June 2011 |access-date=29 June 2011}} On his home debut Riaz took a hat-trick – dismissing Chris Taylor, Ed Young, and Richard Coughtrie – and recording figures of 5 wickets for 17 runs (5/17) against Gloucestershire to help his team to an eight-wicket victory. It was the second time a player had taken a T20 hat-trick for Kent,{{citation |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/county-cricket-2011/content/story/519165.html |title=Riaz and Mahmood star for Kent |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |date=15 June 2011 |access-date=10 June 2011}} and was the first time Riaz took five wickets in the format, beating previous best bowling figures of 3/14.{{citation |url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/316/316152.html |title=tt2243 Kent v Gloucestershire: Friends Life t20 2011 (South Division) |publisher=Cricket Archive |access-date=10 July 2011}} During his spell with Kent Riaz took 13 first-class wickets at an average of 33.53,{{citation |url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Players/24/24381/f_Bowling_by_Team.html |title=First-class bowling for each team by Wahab Riaz |publisher=Cricket Archive |access-date=6 October 2011}} 9 in list A cricket at 13.33,{{citation |url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Players/24/24381/a_Bowling_by_Team.html |title=ListA bowling for each team by Wahab Riaz |publisher=Cricket Archive |access-date=6 October 2011}} and 20 wickets in t20 matches at an average of 19.85.{{citation |url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Players/24/24381/tt_Bowling_by_Team.html |title=Twenty20 bowling for each team by Wahab Riaz |publisher=Cricket Archive |access-date=6 October 2011}}

In August, Riaz was awarded a category B central contract with the PCB; six players were in category A, eight (including Riaz) in B, and nine in C.{{citation |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/pakistan/content/current/story/526510.html |title=No central contracts for Afridi, Kamran Akmal |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |date=8 August 2011 |access-date=9 August 2011}} When Pakistan toured Zimbabwe in September, Riaz was rested with the selectors taking the opportunity to blood a number of new and inexperienced players.{{citation |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/zimbabwe-v-pakistan-2011/content/current/story/525095.html |title=Raja, Cheema, Sohail included in squad for Zimbabwe |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |date=28 July 2011 |access-date=28 July 2011}} Though recalled to the Test squad for the three-match series against Sri Lanka,{{citation |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/pakistan-v-sri-lanka-2011/content/story/534390.html |title=Selectors look to experience for Sri Lanka |first=Umar |last=Farooq |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |date=29 September 2011 |access-date=2 November 2011}} he did not play in the series{{citation |url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Players/24/24381/Test_Matches.html |title=Test matches played by Wahab Riaz |publisher=Cricket Archive |access-date=21 November 2011}} and was dropped from the ODI squad to face the same opponents.{{citation |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/pakistan-v-sri-lanka-2011/content/current/story/538982.html |title=Afridi returns to Pakistan ODI squad |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |date=2 November 2011 |access-date=2 November 2011}} Originally rested from the Test team to give younger players a chance, Riaz's hiatus from the squad extended to six months. His continued absence was not explained by the PCB. He was recalled to Pakistan's Test squad to face England for three matches in the United Arab Emirates. While he was out of the side, Riaz played for the National Bank of Pakistan in the Quaid-i-Azam Trophy. Before the squad was announced he had taken 30 wickets in the competition at an average of 24.86, and 213 runs at an average of 35.50.{{citation |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/pakistan-v-england-2012/content/story/547067.html |title=Riaz relieved to be back after unexplained break |first=Umar |last=Farooq |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |date=27 December 2011 |access-date=27 December 2011}}

On 30 August 2016, he conceded 110 runs in his stipulated 10 overs, which is the second worst bowling figure ever in ODI cricket.{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/england-v-pakistan-2016/engine/match/913657.html |title=110 runs conceded by Wahab |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date= 30 August 2016}}

In April 2018, he was named in Punjab's squad for the 2018 Pakistan Cup.{{cite web|url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/191967-pakistan-cup-one-day-tournament-to-begin-in-faisalabad |title=Pakistan Cup one-day tournament to begin in Faisalabad next week |access-date=21 April 2018 |work=Geo TV}}{{cite web|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/306831-pakistan-cup-cricket-from-25th |title=Pakistan Cup Cricket from 25th |access-date=21 April 2018 |work=The News International}} In March 2019, he was named in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's squad for the 2019 Pakistan Cup.{{cite web|url=https://www.pcb.com.pk/press-release-detail/federal-areas-aim-to-complete-hat-trick-of-pakistan-cup-titles.html |title=Federal Areas aim to complete hat-trick of Pakistan Cup titles |work=Pakistan Cricket Board |date=10 January 2014 |access-date=25 March 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/447913-pakistan-cup-one-day-cricket-from-april-2 |title=Pakistan Cup one-day cricket from April 2 |access-date=25 March 2019 |work=The International News}} He was the joint-leading wicket-taker in the tournament, with ten dismissals in five matches.{{cite web|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/bowling/most_wickets_career.html?id=12939;type=tournament |title=Pakistan Cup, 2019: Most wickets |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=12 April 2019}}

In June 2020, he was named in a 29-man squad for Pakistan's tour to England during the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/29300707/haider-ali-new-face-pakistan-name-29-man-touring-party-england |title=Haider Ali the new face as Pakistan name 29-man touring party for England |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=12 June 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.pcb.com.pk/press-release-detail/haider-ali-named-in-29-player-squad-for-england-tour.html |title= Haider Ali named in 29-player squad for England tour |work=Pakistan Cricket Board |date= 10 January 2014 |access-date=12 June 2020}} However, on 23 June 2020, Riaz was one of seven players from Pakistan's squad to test positive for COVID-19.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/29352210/seven-more-pakistan-players-test-positive-covid-19 |title=Seven more Pakistan players test positive for Covid-19 |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=23 June 2020}} In July, he was shortlisted in Pakistan's 20-man squad for the Test matches against England.{{cite web|url=https://www.pcb.com.pk/press-release-detail/pakistan-shortlist-players-for-england-tests.html |title= Pakistan shortlist players for England Tests |work=Pakistan Cricket Board |date= 10 January 2014 |access-date=27 July 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/29548095/wahab-riaz,-sarfaraz-ahmed-20-man-pakistan-squad-england-tests |title=Wahab Riaz, Sarfaraz Ahmed in 20-man Pakistan squad for England Tests |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=27 July 2020}}

He retired from international cricket in August 2023.{{Cite web|url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/3636186|title=Pakistan stalwart announces retirement from international cricket|website=Icc-cricket.com|publisher=International Cricket Council|date=16 August 2023}}

=2015 Cricket World Cup=

In January 2015, he was named in Pakistan's squad for the 2015 Cricket World Cup, after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) named their final fifteen-man squad for the tournament.{{Cite web|title=Pakistan pick Sohail Khan for World Cup {{!}} ESPNcricinfo.com|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/21321978/pakistan-pick-sohail-khan-world-cup|access-date=2020-06-08|website=www.espncricinfo.com|date=7 January 2015 |language=en}}

In Pakistan's opening matches, he took 1 wicket each against India & West Indies. He followed by a man of the match performance against Zimbabwe in which he scored 54 not out off 46 balls and took 4 wickets. Against UAE, took two wickets. He followed it up by taking three wickets versus South Africa. He took three wickets against Ireland in Pakistan's last group game. In the quarterfinal match against Australia, he took Australian skipper Michael Clarke's wicket and, then, showed some aggressive interaction by sarcastic clapping and a flying kiss to Shane Watson.[http://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-series/cricket-news/71159/australia-survive-wahab-riaz-scare-after-pakistan-suffer-batting-implosion Australia survive Wahab Riaz scare after Pakistan suffer batting implosion]. Cricbuzz (20 March 2015). Retrieved on 2015-04-24.[http://www.dawn.com/news/1171572 That Wahab spell — A nation's faith in pace restored – Sport]. Dawn.Com. Retrieved on 24 April 2015. ICC fined Riaz for the behavior.Ihsan, Nzaar. (23 March 2015) [http://blogs.tribune.com.pk/story/26820/dear-icc-so-what-if-wahab-riaz-blew-a-kiss-at-shane-watson/ Dear ICC, so what if Wahab Riaz blew a kiss at Shane Watson? – The Express Tribune Blog]. Blogs.tribune.com.pk. Retrieved on 2015-04-24.

Riaz's spell against Australia won him plaudits from numerous cricketers past and present,{{cite web|last1=Fernando|first1=Andrew|title=Wahab v Watson, the fury and the folly|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/icc-cricket-world-cup-2015/content/story/853317.html|website=ESPN Cricinfo|publisher=ESPN|access-date=2 September 2015}} with Michael Clarke referring to Riaz's performance 'as good as I've faced in ODI cricket for a long time'{{cite web|last1=Burnett|first1=Adam|title=High praise for Wahab's 'nasty' spell|url=http://www.cricket.com.au/news/wahab-riaz-pakistan-australia-shane-watson-michael-clarke-world-cup/2015-03-20|website=cricket.com.au|publisher=Cricket Australia|access-date=2 September 2015}} and Kevin Pietersen describing the spell as the "Best spell of bowling by a foreigner on Aussie soil for years".{{cite web|last1=Pietersen|first1=Kevin|title=Kevin Pietersen: Best spell of bowling by a foreigner on Aussie soil for years|url=https://twitter.com/KP24/status/578854510891651073|website=Twitter.com|publisher=Twitter|access-date=2 September 2015}}

After the match Riaz became a trend on Twitter. Brian Lara tweeted "I want to meet with this Riaz guy," adding that he would pay the fine imposed on Riaz by the ICC for his verbal altercation with Watson. Brian Lara was later invited by Riaz to Pakistan via Twitter.[http://www.thenewstribe.com/2015/03/20/shane-watson-says-lucky-to-escape-wahab-riazs-fiery-spell/ Shane Watson says he was lucky to escape Wahab Riaz's fiery spell]. The News Tribe. Retrieved on 24 April 2015.[http://sports.ndtv.com/icc-cricket-world-cup-2015/news/239626-world-cup-2015-wahab-riaz-invites-brian-lara-to-pakistan World Cup 2015: Wahab Riaz Invites Brian Lara to Pakistan – World Cup 2015 News]. Sports.ndtv.com. Retrieved on 24 April 2015.[http://www.geo.tv/article-179138-Wahab-Riaz-invites-Lara-to-Pakistan Wahab Riaz invites Lara to Pakistan | SPORT]. geo.tv. Retrieved on 24 April 2015.[http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/sport/26-Mar-2015/wahab-riaz-invites-west-indies-legend-brian-lara-to-pakistan Wahab Riaz invites West Indies legend Brian Lara to Pakistan]. Dailytimes.com.pk. Retrieved on 24 April 2015.[https://web.archive.org/web/20150323073450/http://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket-world-cup-2015/worldcup2015-dontmiss/world-cup-2015-wahab-riaz-apologies-to-fans-for-loss-to-australia/article1-1329292.aspx World Cup 2015: Wahab Riaz apologises to fans for loss to Australia | Cricket World Cup 2015]. Hindustan Times. Retrieved on 24 April 2015.

=2019 Cricket World Cup=

In May 2019, he was named in Pakistan's squad for the 2019 Cricket World Cup, after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) named their final fifteen-man squad for the tournament.{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/26785619/wahab-riaz-mohammad-amir-asif-ali-included-pakistan-world-cup-squad |title=Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Amir, Asif Ali included in Pakistan World Cup squad |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=20 May 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/1223509 |title=Mohammad Amir, Wahab Riaz named in Pakistan's World Cup squad |work=International Cricket Council |access-date=20 May 2019}}

He was a regular starter throughout the tournament and took 11 wickets in 8 games with an economy of 6 runs per over and a bowling strike rate of 36.3 balls.{{Cite web|title=Live Cricket Scores & News - ICC Cricket World Cup 2019|url=https://www.cricketworldcup.com/teams/pakistan/players/988|access-date=2020-10-21|website=www.cricketworldcup.com|language=en}}

During the tournament, he became Pakistan's 2nd highest wicket-taker in World Cup history going past Imran Khan's tally of 34 wickets.{{Cite web|title=World Cup Cricket Team Records & Stats {{!}} ESPNcricinfo.com|url=https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/bowling/most_wickets_career.html?id=12&type=trophy|access-date=2020-06-08|website=Cricinfo}}

=T20 franchise career=

Riaz was allocated as a Platinum category player in the 2016 Pakistan Super League players draft. He was bought by Peshawar Zalmi for $140,000 for the 2016 competition.

During a group stage match in 2016 against Quetta Gladiators, Riaz had an exchange of words and a physical tussle with batsman Ahmed Shehzad. The Pakistan Cricket Board imposed a fine on both the players and issued an official warning to them.[http://indianexpress.com:80/article/sports/cricket/watch-pakistan-team-mates-wahab-riaz-ahmed-shehzad-involved-in-physical-fight-during-psl/ Wahab Riaz, Ahmed Shehzad involved in ugly fight during PSL; fined heavily by PCB], The Indian Express, 2016-02-15. Retrieved 2017-06-13.

He was retained by the Peshawar Zalmi for the second PSL season in 2017. Peshawar won the 2017 competition and, as of the end of the 2017 PSL, Riaz is the leading wicket-taker with 30 wickets in 19 matches.{{cite web|title=Leading wicket-taker in PSL|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/pakistan-super-league-2016-17/engine/records/bowling/most_wickets_career.html?id=205;type=trophy|publisher=ESPN Cricinfo|access-date=12 March 2017}} He has played for Zalmi in every edition so far.{{Cite web |title=Pakistan Super League Cricket Team Records & Stats {{!}} ESPNcricinfo.com |url=https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/individual/most_matches_career.html?id=205&type=trophy |access-date=2022-02-27 |website=Cricinfo}} On 18 February 2022 Wahab took his 100th wicket in the PSL for Peshawar, becoming the first player overall to reach the milestone.{{cite web |title=PSL record: Wahab Riaz becomes first bowler to take 100 wickets |url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/399844-peshawar-zalmi-vs-islamabad-united-wahab-riaz-becomes-first-bowler-to-take-100-psl-wickets-record |publisher=Geo News |access-date=18 February 2022}}

In September 2018, he was named in Kandahar's squad in the first edition of the Afghanistan Premier League tournament.{{cite web|url=https://www.crictracker.com/afghanistan-premier-league-2018-all-you-need-to-know-from-the-player-draft/ |title=Afghanistan Premier League 2018 – All you need to know from the player draft |work=CricTracker |date=10 September 2018 |access-date=10 September 2018}} In June 2019, he was selected to play for the Brampton Wolves franchise team in the 2019 Global T20 Canada tournament.{{cite web|url=http://www.canadacricket.com/?p=12755 |title=Global T20 draft streamed live |work=Canada Cricket Online |date=20 June 2019 |access-date=20 June 2019}} In September 2019, he was named in the squad for the Cape Town Blitz team for the 2019 Mzansi Super League tournament.{{cite web |url=https://cricket.co.za/news/31555/MSL-20-announces-its-T20-squads |title=MSL 2.0 announces its T20 squads |work=Cricket South Africa |access-date=4 September 2019 |archive-date=4 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190904081427/https://cricket.co.za/news/31555/MSL-20-announces-its-T20-squads |url-status=dead }} In November 2019, he was selected to play for the Dhaka Platoon in the 2019–20 Bangladesh Premier League.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/28105555/tamim-iqbal-team-coach-mohammad-salahuddin-dhaka |title=BPL draft: Tamim Iqbal to team up with coach Mohammad Salahuddin for Dhaka |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=18 November 2019}} In October 2020, he was drafted by the Kandy Tuskers for the inaugural edition of the Lanka Premier League.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/30148161/lanka-premier-league-2020-chris-gayle-andre-russell-shahid-afridi-big-names-taken-lpl-draft |title=Chris Gayle, Andre Russell and Shahid Afridi among big names taken at LPL draft |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=22 October 2020}} In May 2021, he was named in the St Lucia Zouks squad for the 2021 Caribbean Premier League.{{cite web|url=https://www.saintluciakings.com/news/stlucia-kings-announce-squad-for-cpl-2021 |title=Saint Lucia Kings announce squad for CPL 2021 |work=www.saintluciakings.com |date=28 May 2021 |access-date=16 September 2021}} In November 2021, he was selected to play for the Jaffna Kings following the players' draft for the 2021 Lanka Premier League.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/kusal-perera-angelo-mathews-miss-out-on-lpl-drafts-1288554 |title=Kusal Perera, Angelo Mathews miss out on LPL drafts |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=10 November 2021}}

In April 2022, he was bought by the Northern Superchargers for the 2022 season of The Hundred in England.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/60477088 |title=The Hundred 2022: latest squads as Draft picks revealed |work=BBC Sport |access-date=5 April 2022}}

In January 2023, while playing for the Khulna Tigers in the 2022–23 Bangladesh Premier League, he became the first Pakistani bowler to take 400 T20 wickets.{{Cite web |last=Isam |first=Mohammad |date=21 January 2023 |title=BPL round-up: Pakistan players sparkle, Barishal surge up the table, and Dhaka flounder |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/bpl-round-up-wahab-riaz-azam-khan-and-pakistan-players-sparkle-shakib-in-form-1355030 |website=Cricinfo |quote=You may think Wahab Riaz is past his prime, but the 37-year-old's last two performances say otherwise. He has gone past 400 wickets in T20s, becoming the first player from Pakistan to do so.}}

=Selector=

Riaz was appointed as the chief selector of Pakistan national team on 17 November 2023.{{cite web |title=Wahab Riaz is Pakistan's new chief selector |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/wahab-riaz-is-pakistan-s-new-chief-selector-1409316 |website=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=11 June 2025 |date=17 November 2023}} In March of the following year, he was demoted as chief selector but remained part of the seven-man selection committee.{{cite web |last1=Rasool |first1=Danyal |title=Haris Rauf gets his central contract back |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/pakistan-s-rauf-gets-his-pcb-central-contract-back-1426135 |website=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=11 June 2025 |date=24 March 2024}} Following the group stage exit at the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup, Riaz was dismissed from the selection committee.{{cite web |last1=Rasool |first1=Danyal |title=Wahab and Razzaq sacked from PCB selection committee |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/pakistan-t20-world-cup-2024-wahab-riaz-and-abdul-razzaq-sacked-from-pcb-selection-committee-1442797 |website=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=11 June 2025 |date=9 July 2024}}

Political career

In January 2023, Riaz was appointed as sports minister in Mohsin Raza Naqvi's caretaker Punjab government but could not take his oath due to his busy schedule.{{Cite web |date=26 January 2023 |title=Cricketer Wahab Riaz named as Punjab's caretaker sports minister |url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/467431-cricketer-wahab-riaz-named-as-punjabs-caretaker-sports-minister |website=Geo News}} He was later appointed as the Advisor to Chief Minister Punjab for sports and youth affairs on 22 March 2023.{{Cite web |title=Wahab Riaz starts duties as adviser to Punjab CM on sports and youth affairs |url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/477903-wahab-riaz-resumes-duties-as-adviser-to-cm-on-sports-and-youth-affairs-in-punjab |access-date=2023-03-23 |website=www.geo.tv |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2023-03-23 |title=Wahab Riaz takes charge as Advisor to CM Punjab on Sports Affairs |url=https://www.nation.com.pk/23-Mar-2023/wahab-riaz-takes-charge-as-advisor-to-cm-punjab-on-sports-affairs |access-date=2023-03-23 |website=The Nation |language=en}}

Notes

References

External links

{{cricinfo|id=43590}}
[http://www.pcb.com.pk/player-detail.php?action=view_profile&player_id=4442¬e=&country_id=&pg=&ipp=&player_name=Wahab%20Riaz&father_name=&district=®ion=&school=&address=&club= Wahab Riaz] at Pakistan Cricket Board

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Category:1985 births

Category:Living people

Category:Aitchison College alumni

Category:Cricketers from Lahore

Wahab, Riaz