Wahab Riaz was not selected in Pakistan's squad for England and West Indies.
Pakistani pacer Wahab Riaz said that he was disappointed in missing out on the Pakistan team's current tour of England and the following West Indies tour as well.
The Pakistan cricket team is currently in England for a limited-overs series, where they will play three ODIs and as many T20Is from July 8. After that, the Babar Azam side will tour West Indies for the five-T20I series and two Test matches.
However, despite having a brilliant PSL 2021, Wahab Riaz’s name was missing from the Pakistan squad for the two tours. The 36-year-old led Peshawar Zalmi to the final where they lost to Multan Sultans and was also the second-highest wicket-taker of the tournament with 18 scalps to his name.
Pakistani speedster Wahab Riaz expressed his disappointment for not getting selected for the tours to England and West Indies. He also questioned the selection criteria and said that whoever performs well should be selected.
"Obviously, I am disappointed at my exclusion from the England and West Indies tours after my recent performances. Criteria of selection is a question for the selection committee but I think whoever performs well should be selected," Wahab Riaz said.
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Riaz said that being a senior performer, he was disappointed at missing out but he’s not giving up on the hope of playing T20 World Cup later this year.
“They might have their reasons but as a senior performer, I am disappointed at missing out. I have not given up hope of playing in the World T20 this year and I think senior players as long as they are fit and performing should be considered for selection," he said.
Wahab Riaz further said that he’s still not sure about issues selectors have with senior players.
"I don't know exactly what issue people have with senior players. Perhaps youngsters listen to what is told to them, while seniors always have their own say in matters and you have to convince them," he concluded.
Wahab Riaz has represented Pakistan in 27 Tests, 91 ODIs, and 36 T20Is, scalping 237 wickets across formats.
(PTI inputs)