'Don't know what issues they have with seniors' - Wahab Riaz presents disappointment on missing ENG and WI tours

Pakistan’s senior pacer Wahab Riaz has not been included in Pakistan’s tour to England and West Indies despite his fine performances in the recent past. In the same line, Riaz presented his disappointment outright by adding that he doesn’t understand why the management is preferring many juniors this time around and not paying proper attention to senior members.

Riaz recently led Peshawar Zalmi in the final of the sixth edition of the Pakistan Super League. However, his team lost to Multan Sultans in the final event and he was even the second-highest wicket-taker of the league with 18 scalps under his belt.

I am disappointed at missing out: Wahab Riaz

“Obviously, I am disappointed at my exclusion from the England and WI tours after my recent performances. Criteria of selection is a question for the selection committee but I think whoever performs well should be selected. They might have their reasons but as a senior performer, I am disappointed at missing out,” Riaz told reporters in Lahore as quoted by Hindustan Times.

It has to be noted that the 36-year-old has been part of three World Cup squads for Pakistan that is 2011, 2015, and 2019. He has been part of 27 Tests, 91 ODIs, and 36 T20Is for Pakistan, collectively picking 237 wickets in the games. He also went on to say that he has no clue of ‘issues’ the current selection committee has with seniors. The current selection committee of Pakistan is led by Muhammad Wasim and head coach Misbah-ul-Haq.

Perhaps youngsters listen to what is told to them, said Riaz

“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 added.

However, the left-arm pacer concluded by adding that he still has hopes to be part of the Pakistan T20 squad which will step up to play World T20 this year in Oman and UAE. Riaz stands as the highest wicket-taker of PSL with 94 wickets in 67 games so far.