In a surprising turn of events, former Pakistan pacer Wahab Riaz briefly came out of retirement to participate in a domestic T20 trial match, only to announce his re-retirement shortly after. The 39-year-old cricketer, who retired from international cricket in 2023, made headlines with his short-lived return to the field.
Riaz played for the Lahore Greens in a trial match at the Aligarh Ground as part of the ongoing trials for the National T20 Cup. He impressed with an all-round performance, taking 1/25 in three overs and scoring a quickfire 31 runs, including three sixes. His performance earned him a spot in the Lahore Whites squad for the tournament.
However, his selection sparked criticism from fans and cricketing circles, who argued that his inclusion could block opportunities for emerging talent. Amid the backlash, Riaz decided to withdraw from the tournament, citing personal commitments as the reason for his decision.
This brief return to cricket has reignited debates about the role of retired players in domestic competitions and their impact on nurturing young talent. Wahab Riaz, who last played in the Pakistan Super League in 2023, has since transitioned into administrative roles, including serving as a national selector and completing a Level-2 Coaching Course with the Pakistan Cricket Board.
The National T20 Cup is set to begin on March 14, with defending champions Karachi Whites taking on Islamabad. Despite the controversy, Wahab Riaz’s brief comeback has added an intriguing chapter to his cricketing journey.
