Playing home matches in UAE was detrimental to the careers of a lot of Pakistani pace-bowlers: Wahab Riaz

The Pakistan speedster Wahab Riaz has opened up on playing a lot of cricket in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). According to the senior pace bowler, playing consistently in the UAE hasn’t gone right for many Pakistani players including himself. Riaz also feels that the venue doesn’t have enough assistance for the pacers and that has affected the careers of many Pakistan fast bowlers.

The Men in Green played a majority of their home series in the Emirates since the attack on Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore in 2009. Riaz thus feels that this has not helped the pacers at all. He also put forward the thought that he should have represented the nation longer than he did. Riaz further asserted that on the UAE pitches, spinners were needed ahead of the fast bowlers which have proved harmful for the careers of many pacers of the country.

“I feel that I should have represented Pakistan on more occasions than I did. But the major setback for me was when Pakistan’s home matches had to be shifted to UAE where spinners were needed more than pace-bowlers. That period of playing home matches in UAE was detrimental to the careers of a lot of Pakistani pace-bowlers including myself. But who knows what the future holds, there might yet be a few more international matches to come for me,” the 36-year-old told PakPassion.

It’s always disappointing to be ignored by the selectors: Wahab Riaz 

Wahab Riaz wasn’t selected for the series against England and West Indies. The left-arm speedster had previously said he was not aware of the plans Pakistan selectors have in store for senior players. Opening up further on his selection in the side, he stated that not being picked up in the national squad is disappointing. Riaz also mentioned that he hopes the selectors are making decisions in the best interests of Pakistan cricket.

“As a player, it’s always disappointing to be ignored by the selectors because I do feel that things should be different and I should be playing for Pakistan more than I have been. But at the same time, it’s the selectors who make the decisions and I guess they know exactly why I am not being picked. All I can hope for is that whatever the selectors are thinking is in the best interests of Pakistan cricket,” Wahab Riaz said.