Wahab Riaz

Wahab Riaz is a former Pakistani cricketer and cricket administrator. He served as the chief selector of the Pakistan national cricket team between November 2023 and July 2024.

Early life and education

Riaz was born on 28 June 1985 to Sheikh Sikandar Riaz, who is a businessman. He belongs to a Muslim Gujjar family that originally hails from Gujrat, Punjab. During his school years, he attended Aitchison College in Lahore. He later pursued higher education at the University of the Punjab in Lahore, where he earned an M.Sc in Biotechnology.

Career

Riaz began his cricket journey as a wicket-keeper and opening batsman while studying at Aitchison College. He made his first-class debut for Lahore Whites in 2002 at the age of 16. Shortly after, he participated in the 2004 Under-19 Cricket World Cup, an event that Pakistan won. His domestic success continued during the 2007–08 season when he finished as the second-highest wicket-taker. This performance secured his place in the One Day International series against Zimbabwe in February 2008.

He joined the Pakistan T20I squad for a tri-series in Bangladesh in June 2008. In his debut match against Bangladesh, he recorded 3 wickets for 22 runs in 7 overs. He later made his Test debut against England during the third Test of their 2010 series. During that first innings, he took 5/63 and scored 27 runs while batting at number 3.

Riaz played for Pakistan in the 2011 Cricket World Cup as a replacement for Shoaib Akhtar. He took 5 wickets during the semi-final match against India. Following the tournament, he toured the West Indies and became the leading wicket-taker for his team in that series. He eventually signed with Kent to play county cricket after entering talks with the club. During his time with Kent, he achieved a T20 hat-trick against Gloucestershire by dismissing Chris Taylor, Ed Young, and Richard Coughtrie.

His international career included several notable milestones and challenges. In August 2018, the Pakistan Cricket Board awarded him a category B central contract. He was one of 33 players selected for this contract during the 2018–19 season. In September 2019, he decided to take a break from red-ball cricket to focus on shorter formats. He retired from international cricket in August 2023.

During the 2015 Cricket World Cup, Riaz gained significant worldwide recognition for his bowling. He earned Man of the Match honors against Zimbabwe by scoring 54 not out and taking 4 wickets. His performance against Australia included taking the wicket of captain Michael Clarke. While he was fined by the ICC for interacting with Shane Watson, his skills earned praise from legends like Brian Lara and Kevin Pietersen.

In the 2019 Cricket World Cup, Riaz remained a regular starter for Pakistan. He took 11 wickets across 8 games while maintaining an economy of 6 runs per over. This tournament allowed him to become Pakistan's second-highest wicket-taker in World Cup history. He surpassed the previous tally of 34 wickets held by Imran Khan.

Beyond his playing days, Riaz transitioned into administration and advisory roles. He served as an advisor to the chief minister of Punjab for sports and youth affairs. This role took place within the caretaker government led by Mohsin Raza Naqvi.

Personal life

Riaz is married to Zainab Chaudhary. The couple has three children.