Pakistan bowler Wahab Riaz to take indefinite break from red-ball cricket

The 34-year-old left-arm seamer has made just four Test appearances since January 2017, with his most recent one coming in the first Test against Australia in Dubai in October 2018

Pakistan fast bowler Wahab Riaz has announced that he is taking an indefinite break from red-ball cricket in order to focus on the limited-overs game.

The 34-year-old left-arm seamer has made just four Test appearances since January 2017, with his most recent one coming in the first Test against Australia in Dubai in October 2018.

Riaz, who made his first of 27 Test appearances for Pakistan in 2010, has also withdrawn from the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, just two days before the tournament's scheduled start, where he was set to represent his domestic side Central Punjab.

After a lot of thinking and discussions with my family and board, I have decided to take a break from red-ball cricket and maintain my fitness and focus on the shorter format for my country. It was a tough decision and I appreciate my Board’s support and guidance during this time

— Wahab Riaz (@WahabViki) September 12, 2019

However, taking to Twitter to make the announcement, he said: "After reviewing my past couple of years' performances in red-ball cricket and the upcoming limited-overs cricket, I have decided to take time off from first-class cricket.

"During this period, I will like to focus on 50-over and 20-over cricket, and continue to access my fitness for the longer version of the game. At a stage I feel I cannot only return but also perform with the red-ball, I would make myself available.

"The PCB had been trying to convince me to pursue my career with red-ball, but today I met them to convey my decision. I am grateful for their understanding and support."