Tag: Wahab Riaz

Pakistan fast bowler and advisor to the Government of Punjab on sports Wahab Riaz picked Sarfaraz Ahmed as the best captain, he played under.

Wahab Riaz, in an interview with a local TV channel, was asked to pick the best Pakistan captain between Shoaib Malik, Shahid Afridi, Misbah-ul-Haq and Sarfaraz Ahmed.

The left-arm pacer named the wicketkeeper batter the sharpest of them all while terming Misbah as the most sensible.

“Look, captaincy is a different thing. I played in Shoaib Malik’s captaincy then in Shahid Afridi’s captaincy, Misbah’s captaincy and Sarfaraz Ahmed’s captaincy. I think one of the sharpest captains of them all was Sarfaraz,” said Wahab Riaz.

“And I think the most sensible thinking captain was Misbah-ul-Haq while Shoaib bhai and Shahid were somebody who used to support you,” he added.

When asked about the leadership skills of current Pakistan captain Babar Azam, Wahab Riaz asserted that he got minimal time to play during his tenure.

“I got quite minimal time with Babar. Obviously, he was in his learning phase at that time but I think if I had to rate somebody then I would say Sarfaraz was one of the best captains,” Wahab stated.

Sarfaraz Ahmed is considered one of the most successful Pakistan captains, having won two ICC titles – Champions Trophy and U19 World Cup – and leading his side to 11 consecutive T20I series victories.

Earlier this week, former Pakistan pacer and bowling coach Umar Gul picked wicketkeeper batter, Sarfaraz Ahmed as a better captain than current Pakistan skipper Babar Azam.

Umar Gul in an interview, was asked to pick between Sarfaraz Ahmed and Babar Azam. The right-arm pacer unhesitantly picked the Champions Trophy-winning captain as a superior leader.

“In terms of captaincy, Sarfaraz Ahmed,” responded Gul to the comparison.

Furthermore, renowned Pakistan-based umpire Aleem Dar also lauded Sarfaraz Ahmed for his captaincy skills before terming him the best modern-day Pakistan skipper.

“I believe every one of them had different qualities but if someone had superior game awareness and better captaincy skills then it was Sarfaraz,” shared Dar.

“I think a wicketkeeper is a better decision-maker because he is well aware of what the bowler is bowling and that is why I think it is very important that a wicketkeeper should be the captain,” he added.

READ: Pakistan squad reaches Hambantota for tour match against SLC Board XI

LAHORE: Pakistan fast bowler and advisor to the Government of Punjab on sports Wahab Riaz has requested the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to let him practise at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), albeit he is not invited to the specialised camps.

Speaking to the media in Lahore on Monday, Wahab said it was the board’s own choice not to call him for the specialised camps for the bowlers, starting later this month at the NCA.

“It is their (PCB’s) choice if they did not invite me to bowlers’ camps,” he told reporters while attending the Torch Lighting ceremony for the DC Lahore Young Games 2023.

On Friday, PCB called up 13 spinners and 11 fast bowlers for the two camps that will run from 10 till 15 June (for spinners) and 16 till 21 June (for fast bowlers).

“I will continue my bowling practice at the NCA,” added Wahab Riaz, besides requesting the PCB to allow him to use the facility for the purpose.

The left-arm pacer has also expressed his opinion on the uncertainty lingering around the Asia Cup 2023, saying in case the tournament is abandoned, PCB should schedule a bilateral series as an alternative.

“PCB should explore other options and arrange an alternate series if Asia Cup does not take place,” he added.

Moreover, the advisor to the caretaker chief minister said there was no problem in offering the players separate red and white ball contracts if the board has ample financial resources.

It is pertinent to mention that PCB offered separate red and white-ball contracts to the national players for the first time last year.

Talking about the DC Lahore Young Games, Wahab said the government wanted to bring more female athletes to the limelight through these games.

“We will try to organize more and more such events for women in the province and will also increase the budget for women’s sports,” he concluded.

READ: Attacking icon Ibrahimovic says goodbye to football

QUETTA: Pakistan fast bowler and advisor to the Government of Punjab on sports Wahab Riaz has expressed his annoyance over the presence of Indian flag colours on the kits worn by the province’s athletes in the ongoing National Games. 

The advisor to the caretaker chief minister directed the Punjab Olympic Association (POA) to submit a response on the matter.

According to Wahab, neither his ministry nor the Punjab Sports Board was consulted beforehand regarding the design of the kits donned by the province’s contingent at the event.

“When we asked POA to provide details of the players participating in the Games, we were told that the government’s sole responsibility is to release the fund,” he added.

“POA said they are an independent body.”

He informed that the provincial government released funds amounting to Rs20 million for the participation of the athletes in the National Games, currently underway in Quetta.

He further claimed that the sports authorities of the province had no information about the players and officials representing Punjab at the event.

It is worth mentioning here that the kits worn by Punjab’s athletes at the 34th National Games incorporated blue, white and saffron-coloured bands, resembling the Indian tri-colour.

READ: WATCH: Hasan Ali takes hat-trick in English T20 tournament

LAHORE: Pakistan fast bowler and advisor to Punjab caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi on sports and youth affairs Wahab Riaz on Sunday, announced to host Ramadan Sports Series 2023 here.

The left-arm pacer, who represented Peshawar Zalmi in the recently-concluded Pakistan Super League (PSL) season eight, took charge of his office last month, nearly two months after being named in the province’s caretaker setup.

Since taking charge as the advisor to the caretaker CM Punjab, Wahab has been very active as he met national athletes and paid visits to sports grounds and facilities.

Meanwhile, the left-arm pacer on Sunday, took to Twitter to announce hosting the Ramadan Sports Series, scheduled to take place from April 7 to 11 at Nishtar Park Sports Complex, Lahore.

“Ramadan ul Mubarak Sports Series 2023, starting from 7th of April. A wonderful initiative by CM Punjab [Mohsin Naqvi] and [Sports Board of Punjab] taking sports to another level specially the revival of hockey,” wrote Wahab.

1/2
Announcement 📣:
Ramadan ul Mubarak Sports Series 2023, starting from 7th of April. A wonderful initiative by CM Punjab @MohsinnaqviC42 and @Sports_BoardPB taking sports to another level specially the revival of hockey.#HunAwegaMaza

More details to follow. pic.twitter.com/rwSzf3wGQX

— Wahab Riaz (@WahabViki) April 2, 2023

 

Wahab also thanked the authorities for helping him in launching the sports event.

“Punjab’s best athletes in six major sports will compete for championship and win the highest prize money in our history. I want to thank Ali Randhawa and Rafia Haider, secretary sports and all elite departments for their efforts to make it possible,” he added.

It is pertinent to mention that Wahab represented Pakistan in 154 international matches across formats and was a part of the national squad which won the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017.

READ: Moin subjects Mohammad Amir’s international return to performance

LAHORE: Pakistan fast bowler Wahab Riaz has finally taken charge of his office, nearly two months after he was appointed as advisor to Punjab caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi on sports and youth affairs. 

On Wednesday, Wahab walked into his office at National Hockey Stadium in the provincial capital for the first time and held a meeting with ace Javelin thrower, Arshad Nadeem.

Earlier, secretary sports Punjab Shahid Zaman and DG sports Mohammad Tariq Qureshi briefed the newly-appointed advisor about the sports affairs in the province.

On the occasion, Wahab resolved to take every possible step for the development of sports in the most populous province of the country.

“We will make sure to utilise all the resources and take all stakeholders on board,” he added.

Meeting with Arshad Nadeem

Commonwealth Games gold medalist Arshad Nadeem called on the caretaker sports advisor on the latter’s first day in office as the two discuss the issues faced by the athletes in Punjab.

Taking to Twitter, Wahab shared pictures of the meeting and said he “will definitely look into the problems he highlighted and find solutions for the betterment of sports facilities and athletes across all sports.”

Met @ArshadOlympian1 earlier today, it was nice having a sports centric conversation. Will definitely look into the problems he highlighted and find solutions for the betterment of sports facilities and athletes across all sports. pic.twitter.com/ZrqZ10U9HA

— Wahab Riaz (@WahabViki) March 22, 2023

It may be noted that Wahab was appointed as sports minister in Punjab’s caretaker cabinet in the last week of January. However, he had not taken the oath of his office because of his commitment to the Pakistan Super League season 8.

READ: Messi ‘madness’ in Argentina as world champions play first match

 

QUETTA: Fast bowler Wahab Riaz hailed Iftikhar Ahmed for his batting onslaught during the PSL exhibition match between Quetta Gladiators and Peshawar Zalmi on Sunday, which witnessed an impeccable six maximums in an over by the latter. 

Iftikhar, who smoked Wahab for six sixes in the final over of the first innings, played an astounding knock of unbeaten 94 runs to help Galadiators seal a tense three-run win over Zalmi.

Taking to Twitter after the match, Wahab said he was disappointed over his bowling but at the same time ‘happy’ for Iftikhar for the way he batted.

“Wonderful display of batting by @IftiAhmed221. Unbelievable shots and the command he has shown was amazing. I’m disappointed but happy for you brother. Keep going!” he tweeted.

Wonderful display of batting by @IftiAhmed221. Unbelievable shots and the command he has shown was amazing. I’m disappointed but happy for you brother. Keep going!

— Wahab Riaz (@WahabViki) February 5, 2023

 

Set to chase a mammoth target of 185, Peshawar Zalmi fell short of the target despite a promising start by young Mohammad Haris and skipper Babar Azam.

Haris made 53 from 35 balls while Peshawar and Pakistan captain Babar scored 23 from 18 balls. Star all-rounder Shahid Afridi played a short cameo of 17-ball 25 amid roars and loud cheers by the enthusiastic Quetta crowd.

For Quetta, Mohammad Hasnain led the bowling charge as he picked up three wickets for 30 runs in his four overs, while player of the match Iftikhar also had two wickets to his credit besides his batting exploits.

Earlier, Veteran pacer Wahab provided Zalmi with early breakthroughs, dismissing Ahsan Ali and Umar Akmal in the second over after skipper Babar elected to field first. He took three wickets but conceded 47 runs in his full quota of four overs.

Gladiators fought back in the second half of the innings to post a respectable total on the board with Iftikhar firing in with his massive hits and keeping jam-packed Bugti Stadium on its toes.

Khusdhil Shah, on the other hand, contributed 36 from 24 balls before he fell prey to Wahab in the 18th over.

Quetta Captain Sarafaraz, however, managed just four from 12 balls before he was knocked out by Aamer Jamal.  who could only score four runs, was cleaned up by Aamir Jamal. Abdul Wahid Bangalzai scored 28 in 19.

READ: Pakistan to play three T20Is against Afghanistan in Sharjah next month

LAHORE: Pakistan’s all-format captain Babar Azam is eager to command Punjab’s caretaker minister Wahab Riaz in the upcoming edition of the Pakistan Super League.

Babar will represent Peshawar Zalmi for the first time in the PSL, that too as a captain, whereas, left-arm pacer Wahab, who was recently appointed as sports minister in Punjab’s caretaker government, has been spearheading the franchise’s bowling attack since the tournament’s inception in 2016.

Talking to the latest edition of the PCB podcast Babar had a funny take at Wahab playing alongside him for the Zalmi besides being an office-bearer in Punjab’s interim government.

“I’m very excited,” he said on leading the provincial minister in PSL season 8. “We’ll try to go along well but it will be imperative to keep a tight rein on the minister” he quipped on a lighter note.

Meanwhile, Babar, who has the most runs (2,413) in the tournament’s history also offered his gratitude to his previous PSL franchise Karachi Kings, especially the President and CEO ARY Digital Network Mr. Salman Iqbal for supporting him throughout his PSL journey.

“I want to thank Karachi here for supporting me and making me play for the past six years especially Salman Bhai helped me a lot,” he expressed.

He added: “Every HBL PSL edition is super exciting for me because of its competitive nature. There is a different challenge each year as the players with whom you share the Pakistan dressing room all year become your opponents.

“A new franchise, and a new season, this HBL PSL edition holds added significance for me and I am looking forward to making a good start in this journey.

“Sharing the dressing room with different players throughout – one season with Islamabad United and six seasons with Karachi Kings – has helped me a lot. You learn a great deal when you interact with other players, getting to know about their mindset, training regime and the way they handle different situations.

“It is a dream for me to score a century in the HBL PSL as I already have two T20I centuries and a few more in different leagues. I am positive about achieving the three-figure mark in this HBL PSL, and hoping the right time comes soon for a big score.”

It is pertinent to mention here that Pakistan Super League season 8 will take place from February 13 to March 19 in Multan, Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi.

READ: Moeen Ali withdraws from PSL to focus on ODI WC: English Media

LAHORE: Pakistan’s veteran pacer Wahab Riaz has been named Sports Minister in the recently-announced caretaker government of Punjab.

Wahab, who is currently representing Khulna Tigers in the ongoing edition of the BPL, will take the charge as the sports minister of the largest province in due course.

The left-arm pacer has represented Pakistan in 156 international matches across formats and picked up 237 wickets.

Notably, the 37-year-old pacer was part of the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 winning squad.

Meanwhile, following the appointment of Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi for the caretaker setup in Punjab, the names of the cabinet were finalized, comprising 11 members.

The Caretaker Cabinet of Punjab will take oath tonight at 9 pm. Governor Punjab Balighur Rehman will administer oath from the provincial cabinet.

READ: Archer to mark international return in first South Africa ODI 

CHITTAGONG: Pakistan’s experienced pacer Wahab Riaz achieved a historic feat in the recently-concluded Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) as he completed 400 wickets in T20 cricket.

Wahab, who is currently representing Khulna Tigers in the ongoing edition of the BPL, shone with the ball in his side’s fixture against Chattogram Challengers and played a pivotal role in the touring side’s triumph.

The left-arm pacer picked up four wickets for a mere 36 runs in his quota of four overs.

With his splendid bowling figures, Wahab also breached the 400-wicket mark and became only the sixth bowler to do so.

He is only the second pacer after Dwayne Bravo while also becoming the only Pakistani to reach the landmark.

Furthermore, with this, Wahab also became the third-fastest bowler to pick 400 wickets after Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan and South Africa’s Imran Tahir respectively.

List of bowlers with most wickets in T20 cricket:

Dwayne Bravo, 614 wickets
Rashid Khan, 496 wickets
Sunil Narine, 474 wickets
Imran Tahir, 466 wickets
Shakib-al-Hasan, 436 wickets
Wahab Riaz, 401 wickets

READ: PSL 8 Replacement Draft to take place on January 24

LAHORE: Pakistan’s left-arm pacer Wahab Riaz has joined the ongoing Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Conditioning Camp, here on Tuesday.

Wahab, who recently joined the conditioning camp, was not named among the sixty players summoned by the PCB but later joined the camp after requesting the cricket board.

The left-arm pacer will accompany the remaining players till the conclusion of the ongoing first phase of the camp.

The first phase of the PCB Conditioning Camp will conclude on May 25. Whereas, the second phase comprising 33 players will be held from May 26 to June 10.

READ: PAK-WI ODIs likely to be played in evening due to heatwave