Riaz recently turned down an offer to play this year’s Big Bash in Australia, which will see many Pakistan stars taking part including former captain Shahid Afridi. However, the left-armer, who has been rested for the Zimbabwe series by the selectors, is concentrating on returning to the Pakistan team.
His performance with Kent, where he claimed 20 wickets in the recently-concluded Friends Life T20, also earned him a long-term offer from the county side.
Big Bash not a priority
The left-arm pacer said that he refused the offer to play in Australia since he was focusing on Pakistan’s upcoming series against Sri Lanka and England.
“I was asked to play in the Big Bash but I refused,” Riaz told The Express Tribune. “It’s a good tournament but I’m targeting the important series against England and Sri Lanka.”
Pakistan will take on Sri Lanka in October and are scheduled to face England at the start of next year.
Riaz added that there was a gap where he could play in the Big Bash but did not want to risk suffering an injury.
“There’s a small gap but I’ve decided to avoid extra workload and just concentrate on playing for Pakistan.”
Accepts Kent’s offer
However, the fast-bowler said he accepted Kent’s offer to play for the side for a longer period.
“The agreement is that whenever I’m free from national commitments, I will be available for them.”
The fast bowler, who made his Test debut last year, said the county experience will be a huge boost to his career.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 31st, 2011.
COMMENTS (6)
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THANK YOU WAHAB. YOU ARE A TRUE PAKISTANI. HOPE YOU EXCELL IN THE TWO SERIES. INSHALLAH
Atleast our players are resisiting the lure of T20s instead of wasting their talents in IPL like tournaments like indian players...Good omen
Yeah more "side money" to be made playing for the national side ;)
Selection committee made a mistake by not selecting Wahab Riaz and Umer Gul. Because they are now Pakistan's experienced bowlers and they should play consistent cricket for Pakistan and another reason for this is that Pakistan will play against Srilanka and England after Zimbabwe tour.
Now that is commendable! Thank you Wahab!!!
Good decision by Riaz for preferring Test cricket over T20s and also to play for Kent in first-class cricket to hone his skills. County cricket is a must as we've seen with Wasim, Waqar, Aaqib, all benefiting from experience alone. Being an international cricketer these days you have to choose which format of the game you want to focus on and Riaz has made the right decision. Many others despite being talented (eg..Gayle, Afridi, Dwayne Bravo) did not give Test cricket that much respect. And those who did (the English cricket despite being current T20 World Champs) achieved far greater respect.