Wahab Riaz: “Babar is undoubtedly a top player, one of the best in the world”
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Former Pakistan left-arm pace bowler Wahab Riaz said there is no doubt that batsman Babar Azam is “one of the best in the world”.
Mohammad Hafeez: “I told Wahab that Salman Butt’s past is tainted. He defamed the country and has no place in decision-making roles”
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Former Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez opposed ex-captain Salman Butt becoming a selector, despite left-arm seamer Wahab Riaz asking him twice to approve Salman’s inclusion in the selection committee.
Wahab Riaz: “I am working with the fast bowlers on their line and length – and I will not stop until their bowling is spot on”
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Former Pakistan left-arm seamer Wahab Riaz is working with the current fast bowlers to make sure their “bowling is spot on”.
Umar Akmal: “I keep saying that I want to play and I am being asked if I appeared in trials. Wahab Riaz asked me ‘Have you played trial matches?’ I was like, ‘What are you talking about?’ I told him that I am available”
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Pakistan batsman Umar Akmal revealed he got angry at Wahab Riaz after the former left-arm seamer asked him if he had played any trial matches when he wanted to make a comeback to the national team.
Awais Zia: “I have been facing bowlers in the domestic circuit who bowl at 145 kph like Wahab Riaz, (Mohammad) Sami bhai, and many others like Mohammad Talha at that time, who also bowled 140 plus kph”
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Pakistan opening batsman Awais Zia said the pace duo of Wahab Riaz and Mohammad Sami were extremely fast as the bowled at speeds of 145 kph.
Wahab Riaz: “He told me I want Imad Wasim in the team. I asked him how will he handle the team culture when a player that has already retired is coming back and I said then Amir should come back too. Shaheen agreed and said I want Amir to play for Pakistan as well”
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Former Pakistan left-arm speedster Wahab Riaz has revealed Shaheen Shah Afridi wanted pace bowler Mohammad Amir and left-arm spinner Imad Wasim back in the team for the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Wahab Riaz: “I did not have any authority as the senior team manager. All the authority was with the coach and his management. The final decision makers were the coach and the captain in the T20 World Cup”
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Former Pakistan left-arm seamer Wahab Riaz has made it clear that he had zero authority while serving as Pakistan’s senior team manager.
Wahab Riaz: “We have positives to take home in the form of Saim Ayub / Irfan Niazi / Jahandad Khan”
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Former Pakistan left-arm seamer Wahab Riaz has named all-rounder Jahandad Khan and the batting duo of Saim Ayub and Irfan Khan as three players to keep an eye on going forward.
Wahab Riaz: “At times, when I played, I think it was because I was a favourite, but when I wasn’t playing, I wasn’t liked e.g. Mickey did not like me. I sat out for 2 years under him, even though I was great in PSL then. I was disliked because of being outspoken”
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Former Pakistan left-arm seamer Wahab Riaz has revealed that ex-head coach Mickey Arthur didn’t like him.
Wahab Riaz: “Abbas’ strengths and the reason for his selection are his performance in domestic cricket. And his variations are quite effective”
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Former Pakistan left-arm seamer Wahab Riaz confirmed strong domestic performances were the key reason fast bowler Abbas Afridi was selected in the national team.
