Wahab Riaz withdraws from National T20 Cup after criticism, reveals Salman Butt
Former Pakistan pacer Wahab Riaz was set to make a return to domestic cricket, representing Lahore Whites in the upcoming National T20 Cup.
However, Riaz has since withdrawn from the squad after severe criticism received by fans regarding his inclusion. Fans raised concerns about opportunities for younger players.
Salman Butt, former Pakistani opener, revealed the news on a television show.
The decision comes amid Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) commitment to unearthing fresh talent.
The 39-year-old, who last played for Pakistan in 2020, initially earned his spot after an impressive trial performance at the Lahore Region Cricket Association match at Aligarh Ground.
Representing Lahore Greens, Wahab picked up one wicket for 25 runs in three overs, dismissing young batter Rana Arsalan. With the bat, he struck a quickfire 31 runs, including three sixes.
His selection had reignited debate over former players occupying domestic cricket slots, potentially limiting emerging talent.
Pakistan is a joker association country where a retired ahole average bowler who has links with govt will be playing a cup — Maverick (@TravelTranter) March 9, 2025
PCB mentor Wahab Riaz to play in local NT20 tournament in Pakistan.
The state of Pakistan Cricket. No wonder PCT is in disarray. pic.twitter.com/ZZgedmIAQa — M (@anngrypakiistan) March 9, 2025
Wahab, who also played in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) until 2023, recently completed PCB's Level-2 Coaching Course and briefly served as a national selector.
Salman Butt: Wahab Riaz ruled himself out of Lahore's squad for the National T20.
Shukar hai, ghairat aa gayi.#PakistanCricket pic.twitter.com/opbzJRpfxT — Abdul Rehman Shahbaz Khan (@arskhan04) March 9, 2025
Fans were especially criticial of PCB, with many asking why a retired pacers would take a spot from a potential young player who could gain experience and thus improve.
Hello @TheRealPCB just stop it !! This is the reason why we are where we are ! 💔 #PakistanCricket @WahabViki pic.twitter.com/EktgL9VyiN — Majid Majeed (@majidmajeed83) March 9, 2025
Karachi Whites, the defending champions, will look to retain their title when the tournament begins later this month.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
5 hours ago
- Express Tribune
ICC announces Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 schedule
Listen to article The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially revealed the schedule for the 2025 ICC Women's Cricket World Cup, which will be held from September 30 to November 2. The tournament will take place across five venues in India and Sri Lanka, featuring eight teams. Hosts India will kick off the tournament with a match against Sri Lanka at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on September 30. Defending champions Australia will begin their campaign against New Zealand on October 1 at Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore. The following day, Bangladesh will face Pakistan in Colombo. The countdown begins ⏳ The full schedule for the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 is out 🗓 Full details ➡ — ICC (@ICC) June 16, 2025 Bengaluru will host its second match of the tournament on October 3, as 2022 runners-up England take on South Africa in the final opening match. The round-robin stage of the tournament will run until October 26, with the final day of group stage matches featuring England versus New Zealand in Guwahati and India hosting Bangladesh in Bengaluru. The top four teams from the round-robin stage will progress to the semi-finals, scheduled for October 29 and 30, before the Final on November 2. The semi-final matchups will see first place facing fourth, while second plays third. In a statement, ICC Chairman Jay Shah said, "The confirmation of the schedule only builds further excitement and anticipation for the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025." 'With the eight best teams in the women's game descending on India, alongside incredible venues and what promises to be record-breaking crowds, we are all looking forward to an unforgettable tournament,' Shah added. Also Read: Pakistan to play in Sri Lanka Pakistan is set to play its matches in Sri Lanka following India's refusal to travel to Pakistan for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled for February-March in Pakistan. Last month, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi had clarified that Pakistan's Women's Cricket Team would not be travelling to India to play the World Cup. Naqvi said that an agreement had already been made regarding this decision, stating, "India is the host, and they will decide where to play, but we are ready to play at any neutral venue other than India." The statement came amid ongoing tensions over bilateral cricket ties. India had refused to travel to Pakistan for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled from February 19 to March 9, and played its matches in Dubai, a model previously used during the 2023 Asia Cup. Read More: 'Women's team not to play in India' Following months of negotiations, both boards agreed on a hybrid model to resolve the deadlock. According to ESPNcricinfo, the model allows India to play at neutral venues for ICC tournaments hosted by Pakistan, and vice versa. 'This agreement applied to the 2025 men's Champions Trophy in Pakistan, the 2025 women's ODI World Cup in India, and the 2026 men's T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka,' the report said. Under the arrangement, neutral venues are proposed by the host board and must be approved by the ICC.
Express Tribune
13 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Arshad Nadeem included in Forbes '30 Under 30' list for South Asia
Arshad Nadeem, Pakistan's trailblazing javelin thrower and the country's first individual Olympic gold medallist, has been named in Forbes' 30 Under 30 list for South Asia 2025. The annual list, which recognises young leaders, innovators, and changemakers across the region, included Nadeem in the Entertainment & Sports category. The honour reflects both his sporting excellence and cultural impact in Pakistan and beyond. Nadeem, 28, rose to global prominence after securing gold at the Paris Olympics, marking a historic moment for Pakistani athletics. His journey from Mian Channu, a modest town in Punjab, to international acclaim has made him a household name and an inspiration for young athletes across South Asia. Nadeem has played a significant part in elevating Pakistan's presence in global track and field competitions. His recent performances, including another gold medal at the Asian Athletics Championship, have consolidated his reputation as one of the top javelin throwers in the world. To date, Nadeem has won 5 gold medals across various different competitions. As he looks ahead to upcoming international events, Nadeem's inclusion in the Forbes list adds another milestone to a career defined by resilience and ambition. His story continues to resonate in a region where sport often carries broader social and national significance. With this recognition, Nadeem not only carries the javelin but also the aspirations of millions of Pakistanis, as he continues to chart new territory for the nation's sporting future.
Express Tribune
16 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Jason Gillespie claims he still hasn't received full payment from PCB
Former Pakistan head coach Jason Gillespie has confirmed he is still waiting for outstanding payments from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), months after stepping down from his role in December 2024. Speaking in a recent interview, Gillespie acknowledged that the matter remains unresolved, stating only: 'It's ongoing. Let's just leave it at that.' The former Australian international had earlier made the issue public, and his latest remarks suggest the dispute could escalate further. The PCB, meanwhile, maintains that a breach of contract is the reason for the delayed payment. Gillespie's short tenure came during a significant structural shake-up within Pakistan cricket, which also saw Gary Kirsten appointed to oversee white-ball squads. However, the dual-coach model soon collapsed. Gillespie exited just before the scheduled Test series against South Africa, reportedly frustrated by internal board decisions. The situation highlights the challenges that can arise in managing international coaching appointments and the complexities of cross-border contractual agreements. Earlier this year, Gillespie announced he would take legal action against the PCB over non-payment. While the specifics of the case remain private, the matter adds a layer of attention to how cricketing bodies navigate the administrative side of high-profile appointments. For Gillespie, one of Australia's most respected coaching figures, the wait for compensation and closure continues.
