Lahore, June 5, 2023 – Wahab Riaz, the renowned Pakistani fast bowler and serving adviser to the Punjab chief minister on sports, has reached out to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) with a request to be included in the upcoming national training camp. With an ardent desire to make a valuable contribution to the national squad’s triumph, Riaz expressed his eagerness to actively participate in the grueling training sessions leading up to the World Cup.
Focusing on Future Endeavors:
Speaking during a media interaction on Monday, Wahab Riaz emphasized his determination to refine his bowling abilities. Having last played an international match in December 2020, the veteran pacer stated, “I am focusing on my future endeavors. I am training hard and bowling regularly to be in rhythm.”
Requesting Inclusion in Training Camp:
Wahab Riaz further added, “I would like to request PCB to call me into the training camp. It will help me practice my bowling in a better way. Bowling for even half an hour in the camp would benefit me a lot.” His appeal reflects the veteran’s commitment to honing his skills and contributing to Pakistan’s success in the upcoming tournament.
Specialized Camps Organized by PCB:
The PCB has called upon national players to participate in specialized camps, scheduled from June 10 to 21. These camps will focus on the development of spinners, fast bowlers, and batters, with the players receiving training from specialized coaches.
Invited Players by Category:
The following players have been invited to the specialized camps:
Spinners: Abrar Ahmed, Ali Asfand, Arafat Minhas, Faisal Akram, Mohammad Junaid, Mehran Mumtaz, Mubasir Khan, Noman Ali, Qasim Akram, Sajid Khan, Sufiyan Muqeem, Usama Mir, and Zahid Mehmood.
Fast bowlers: Aamir Jamal, Arshad Iqbal, Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, Ihsanullah, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Naseem Shah, and Shahnawaz Dahani.
Batters: Abdullah Shafique, Haris Sohail, Haseebullah, Hussain Talat, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Huraira, Omair Bin Yousuf, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, and Tayyab Tahir.
Training Schedule:
Spinners will undergo training from June 10 to 15, followed by fast bowlers from June 16 to 21. This training regimen aims to enhance the skills and performance of the players in their respective areas of expertise.
Riaz Advocates for Senior Players in World Cup Squad:
Wahab Riaz emphasized the inclusion of senior players in Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming World Cup in India. Citing the unique challenges of the tournament, he stated, “We need to rely on our senior players for the World Cup in India. This is not the T20 World Cup where bowlers will easily bowl four overs.” Riaz urged the selectors to focus on forming the right combinations, suggesting the inclusion of senior players alongside juniors to create a balanced team.
Read More: PCB agrees to White-Ball Series in New Zealand after Australian Campaign
Uncertainty Surrounding Asia Cup:
Pakistan’s participation in the World Cup in India remains subject to the government’s permission. The PCB will seek approval from the federal government closer to the event. However, complications have arisen since India declined to travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup. The PCB had proposed a hybrid model to host the tournament, allowing India to play their matches outside Pakistan. Nonetheless, the Indian cricket board is reportedly influencing ACC member boards to shift the event away from Pakistan. Consequently, an official decision regarding the Asia Cup is still pending.
As cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the official squad announcement and the subsequent training camp, Wahab Riaz’s proactive approach demonstrates his commitment to contributing to Pakistan’s success in the highly anticipated World Cup in India.
