33-year-old “vastly experienced” Wahab Riaz was selected in the Pakistan World Cup squad after the series loss against England. After the World Cup selection, Riaz is determined to prove coach Mickey Arthur wrong in the World Cup beginning from May 30.

The left-arm pacer played his last ODI against the arch-rivals India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017, while he last played his test match against Australia at Dubai back in 2018.

In 2018, coach Arthur criticized Wahab for his "work ethic" and pointed out the fact that Riaz had not "won us a game in two years".

While talking to ESPNCricinfo about Arthur’s criticism, the left-arm pacer said, “I can't explain in words the pain I have gone through, but I don't want to live in the past. That's history now.”

“Now it's about what we are going to do in the World Cup. Obviously, it's the coach's duty to get the best results from the players, and he wants players that can win matches for the team. I also wanted to be in the team, the only difference is I missed two years of (international) cricket. Now I am in and want to prove him (Arthur) wrong and justify my opportunity,” he added.

When asked about the World Cup selection, Riaz who dreamt of the World Cup call up said, “Around 10 days ago, I had a dream that Inzi bhai (Inzamam-ul-Haq, the chief selector) gave me a call and told me that I have been selected and this is my last chance. It was exactly how it happened when I was called and told about the decision. It is nothing less than make or break for a player who gets an opportunity to play in the World Cup.”

As Pakistan will begin their World Cup campaign against the West Indies on May 31 and it will be interesting to see how the Green Army performs.

(Inputs from ESPNCricinfo)