Did Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz deserve central contracts?

[Titan24]

Again not getting contacts doesnt mean Amir wont be selected for LOIs. PCB is just treating him like a freelancer which he wanted to be. Just like he gets paid when he gets selected in league and plays matches for them he will be paid match fees and every other fee and benefit paid for playing matches, series and tournaments.

Its actually good for Amir as he can play as much leagues as he wants when he isnt in Pak colors as otherwise only two leagues were allowed outside of PSL if I am not wrong.

 

[Cryin Out Loud]

I admire the PCB for taking Amir off central contracts.

I’m the case of Amir, no matter how good you are, if you behave like a merc you should be treated like a merc. You get loyalty when you give loyalty.

Wahab, yeah not as much as Amir but he too could have pitched in durint the Australian tour.

I am assuming that other things weren’t going on beneath the surface of reported events that led to Amit and Wahab opting out of Test careers.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

There is no doubt Mickey mismanaged some of the pacers’ workload however, I am pretty sure some other doors could have been knocked. They are professional cricketers and were not slaves of Mickey Arther. After that when he announced his retirement he knew management was being changed and management was completely open to discuss anything related to workload management.

Also Amir’s workload was more than his liking ans he definitely was used in some useless series but it wasnt like he was bowling the most number of overs in cricket by a pacer and when he felt like resting better communication could have been a way to go.

Look at how Archer was managed by Root in Ashes, guy was bowling 10 odd overs consecutively and he was bowling high 80s and early 90’s. He earns million dollars or so from leagues and is in high demand in leagues as well why is he risking his body in test cricket. Pat Cummins had multiple stress fractures in his back when he debuted and only somewhat recovered at 23, 24 years of age and has bowled the most number of overs in test cricket I think after Rabada or maybe more than him as well in last couple of years. Again he is a top bowler and can earn big amount of money by playing leagues here and their.

These were just few examples, I am not sure if Amir lost his passion for test cricket or he calculated how he can maximize his earnings in his career. Workload is a decent enough excuse to convince others and maybe his own self that I am not doing it for money which obviously in leagues is more and when you consider the number of overs you want to ball it becomes more attractive. Workload can be am issue but not communicating it to higher authorities is no excuse at all.

Anyways I am not sure whats the issue here, Amir will still be selected for LOIs probably and will be paid match fees, allowances and tournament fees. When he is not available while other pacers will be bowling long spells in tests and he will be playing in a league, why should PCB be paying him monthly salary as well? Because, he is playing in an overseas league and is not available for Pakistan when he is required there is no reason for him to be getting monthly pay checks like others.

I think it was a much needed message to young pacers. Bowling 4 overs in few matches of league which finishes in a month in comparison to 100s of over in a test series was always gonna be no brainer with more passion for finance than cricket and if Archer and Cummins would have done this I am pretty sure the wouldnt be getting full contracts from their boards.

You are so intent on seeing this thing through your own lens that it seems you haven't even entertained the thought that Amir may have retired because he had genuine fitness concerns and wanted to prolong his international career.

Yes, he may not have bowled the most overs since his return but he had bowled the seventh most overs in the world by any bowler since his return to mid 2019. So the argument that Amir has been over-bowled actually holds weight.

I don't know why you are giving me examples of Archer and Rabada. When I already reminded you what happened to them when they were overworked and not given due rest.

"The bowlers are not Arthur's slaves"? Really? That's the best you can come up with? International cricket doesn't exactly work like that. You don't tell off the coach. You tell them about your problems, which Amir did and which I am sure Arthur conveyed to the management. And the management did not act. Now the time has passed and they have only themselves to blame.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

How is setting an example for future generations of players that test cricket is important, holding a grudge? Its the difference between short term thinking and thinking of the growth and betterment of Pakistan cricket in the long run

If you think this will deter any player that wants to pursue a white-ball only career, from perusing one, then you are just as mistaken as the geniuses who came up with this idea.

 

[shamaan]

Yes wonderful standards being set here where mediocrity is rewarded above talent. As I say, there are many cricketers on that list who notionally are available for all formats yet don't have a hope in hell of playing in more than their one specialist format. Why not also refuse to give those players contracts?

So you are telling me that just because Shan Masood chooses not to explicitly rule himself out of limited overs cricket, even though his chances of playing limited overs is slim, means that he deserves to be richly rewarded with a B contract? I'm sorry but this is NOT awarding contracts based on contributions to Pakistani cricket. The basis for awarding contracts is who massages the PCB's ego the most. Pathetic.

If the PCB turned around and said look, we are only awarding contracts to those who are likely to play all 3 formats, I'd say ok great, understood. But that's not what they are saying. Effectively they are saying that if Amir wasn't good enough to get into the test team, then that's fine we would give him a contract. But because he IS good enough and simply chooses not to play test cricket, we won't give him a contact. What kind of messed up logic is that?

Becouse they havent said we going to quit were amir and wahab have that's the difference.who says is changes are slim ? What contributions has wahab made or amir being corrupt isnt a contribution bdw.

Well if that's the case naseem shah shouldn't get a contract he wont play all three formats in the next year.no the PCB are saying make your self avaliable weather you we chose you for the squad that's different story.

 

[Savak]

People who choose to go the Freelance T-20 route have to be extremely high quality and will have to put in the consistent match winning performances to keep getting T-20 contracts because T-20 leagues are ruthless when it comes to culling players. If a freelance T-20 player is not in demand, his earnings will be hit big time.

 

[Saj]

I look at some of the players who have got contracts and wonder why they have got them when they've done nothing for years.

 

[Rana]

I look at some of the players who have got contracts and wonder why they have got them when they've done nothing for years.

Agreed. A lot of them have just recently started to contribute and have been passengers throughout

 

[Hasan123]

Amir deserved some punishment for picking and choosing when he can play for Pakistan and acting like a victim when he was dropped. As if being dropped isn't a part of team sport.

Amir probably should have been given a central contract but I have no problem with him being taught a lesson.

 

[msb314]

I look at some of the players who have got contracts and wonder why they have got them when they've done nothing for years.

Could you specify which players you’re referring to?

 

[viveks]

Amir did imo. A leading bowler in t20 and ODI would get one in other countries. E.g. Chahal, Iyer and even Chahar got them for India. Finch, Maxwell and Zampa for Aus...

Wahab did too based on how much he played I think, but maybe PCB is not going to play him anymore due to age? Otherwise it's a bad decision

 

[transparent opacity]

amir's arrogance is sky-high (i know this because he was my neighbour last year) because of the special treatment he received from the pcb. in return, he chose to opt out instead of returning the favor. so it was high time to end preferential treatment.

 

[viveks]

It would also be a hard sale to convince anyone how Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed and Sarfaraz Ahmed were chosen over them

 

[Saj]

Could you specify which players you’re referring to?

I've listed names in other threads, mainly in category B.

 

[Forum363]

This is another in the long line of blunders by Misbah. Blunders for which there are no consequences.

If retiring from Test matches is this bad, PCB should make it clear that anyone who does this won’t be given contracts. Ahead of the fact. To do it in this manner just shows how bitter and childish they are being.

It also makes little sense as there are many players who don’t play all formats.

 

[shaz619]

Wahab being 33/34 and retiring from Test cricket would be an appreciated move if he were from Australia, England, New Zealand. Why are PCB persecuting an ageing fast bowler who wants to retire at 33?

Then we cry about people like Malik, Misbah and Hafeez clinging on until they are 45

Persecuting is a strong word, it's more appropriate for the Burial of broid in order to make way for the younger / superior lion with more potential in Drew. Similarly, don't take it personally; it's just best for business, Wahab was a good loyal servant but at this point who wants to invest in his lack of consistency into his late 30s. The PCB isn't a charity or a pension scheme for the elderly, if anything we've done Wahab a favour. Aamir especially can get lost though

 

[shamaan]

This is another in the long line of blunders by Misbah. Blunders for which there are no consequences.

If retiring from Test matches is this bad, PCB should make it clear that anyone who does this won’t be given contracts. Ahead of the fact. To do it in this manner just shows how bitter and childish they are being.

It also makes little sense as there are many players who don’t play all formats.

That's what misbah waqar are saying if you choose to quit test match you wont be given a contract.

 

[shamaan]

Persecuting is a strong word, it's more appropriate for the Burial of broid in order to make way for the younger / superior lion with more potential in Drew. Similarly, don't take it personally; it's just best for business, Wahab was a good loyal servant but at this point who wants to invest in his lack of consistency into his late 30s. The PCB isn't a charity or a pension scheme for t

he elderly, if anything we've done Wahab a favour. Aamir especially can get lost though

100 percent correctb

 

[Usman]

What people like you STILL dont understand is because of short term thinking and pampering Pakistan has lost a lot of potential super stars. From Asif to Akhtar to Amir to Umar no one fulfiled their potential

Yet fans like you insist on short term thinking when all of these could have been some of the greatest legend of the game

Now when PCB is ensuring future legends dont lose focus and can fulfill their potential and achieve greatness you have a problem

What PCB is doing is trying to set up a culture where future young players can achieve greatness and stay focus while what you are doing is hero worshipping some players you love. Long term vs short term thinking

Look don't get me wrong - if you want to exclude Amir and Wahab on the basis that they won't play tests, go ahead and do so.

However, why on God's earth are you then giving contracts to others who are one-format only players and rubbish ones at that? So you are telling me that some of the no-hopers given contracts deserve them simply because they haven't expressly excluded themselves from other formats of the game? What sort of ridiculous mentality is this?

You either reserve contracts only for those who are good enough and available for all 3 formats or you give contracts to those who play in certain formats only and do well in them. The PCB has chosen neither option - they've given contracts to lots of one-format players who are pretty poor at it too.

Becouse they havent said we going to quit were amir and wahab have that's the difference.who says is changes are slim ? What contributions has wahab made or amir being corrupt isnt a contribution bdw.

Well if that's the case naseem shah shouldn't get a contract he wont play all three formats in the next year.no the PCB are saying make your self avaliable weather you we chose you for the squad that's different story.

This doesn't make any sense. So the strategy is make yourself available and even if you are a village cricketer who won't get selected, we'll give you a contract. But if you limit yourself to certain formats you won't get a contract, even if you excel at that format.

The reality is that Amir in particular is a match winner and a big match winner at that. The people given contracts simply are not. The contract award system is therefore fatally flawed.

 

[shamaan]

Look don't get me wrong - if you want to exclude Amir and Wahab on the basis that they won't play tests, go ahead and do so.

However, why on God's earth are you then giving contracts to others who are one-format only players and rubbish ones at that? So you are telling me that some of the no-hopers given contracts deserve them simply because they haven't expressly excluded themselves from other formats of the game? What sort of ridiculous mentality is this?

You either reserve contracts only for those who are good enough and available for all 3 formats or you give contracts to those who play in certain formats only and do well in them. The PCB has chosen neither option - they've given contracts to lots of one-format players who are pretty poor at it too.



This doesn't make any sense. So the strategy is make yourself available and even if you are a village cricketer who won't get selected, we'll give you a contract. But if you limit yourself to certain formats you won't get a contract, even if you excel at that format.

The reality is that Amir in particular is a match winner and a big match winner at that. The people given contracts simply are not. The contract award system is therefore fatally flawed.

Who's a village cricketer all the pupil on that list have made themself avaliavle for test cricket and have played test cricket so dont no who your on about regarding village cricketer.match winner like in the austrlia series why you talking about amir but not wahab abit of favouritism thier isnt thier

 

[Savak]

Amir is very lucky that he got an opportunity to play for Pakistan again. Salman Butt and Mohd Asif were not so lucky. Danish Kaneria got a life ban from the ECB for a similar offence

 

[Geil]

Now there will be huge amount of pressure on senior players like Wahab and Amir to perform in white ball cricket, I guess they will be given a few matches before they are dropped and if these two performs then it will be a tight slap on PCB , but one thing is sure Amir and Wahab are on verge of getting dropped if they dont perform

 

[MenInG]

Now there will be huge amount of pressure on senior players like Wahab and Amir to perform in white ball cricket, I guess they will be given a few matches before they are dropped and if these two performs then it will be a tight slap on PCB , but one thing is sure Amir and Wahab are on verge of getting dropped if they dont perform

Good point this.

However, is this the way to get the best out of people? Threaten their livelihoods?

 

[Geil]

Good point this.

However, is this the way to get the best out of people? Threaten their livelihoods?

certainly not in my opinion which is the main reason why Pakistan produce players who perform only for a brief period of time and then they fade away especially the fast bowlers of Pakistan, many have come with promising talent but then faded away with injuries and mismanagement and this danger of fading away also looms on Shaheen and Naseem, two promising fast bowlers who have the skills to play for at-least 10-15 years for Pakistan

The likes of Shaheen and Naseem would certainly would not want to have a career like these fast bowlers Mohammad Sami, Junaid Khan, Shabbir Ahmed , Mohammed Asif and hasan Ali who showed lot of promise but did not fulfill their potential as Wasim and Waqar did and hope so they dont end up like them, but with PCB in charge I have no trust in them that they will make shaheen and naseem at-least half good as Wasim and Waqar if not like them.

 

[Titan24]

You are so intent on seeing this thing through your own lens that it seems you haven't even entertained the thought that Amir may have retired because he had genuine fitness concerns and wanted to prolong his international career.

Yes, he may not have bowled the most overs since his return but he had bowled the seventh most overs in the world by any bowler since his return to mid 2019. So the argument that Amir has been over-bowled actually holds weight.

I don't know why you are giving me examples of Archer and Rabada. When I already reminded you what happened to them when they were overworked and not given due rest.

"The bowlers are not Arthur's slaves"? Really? That's the best you can come up with? International cricket doesn't exactly work like that. You don't tell off the coach. You tell them about your problems, which Amir did and which I am sure Arthur conveyed to the management. And the management did not act. Now the time has passed and they have only themselves to blame.

I was one of the first ones in the Amir’s retirement thread who said that it might be fitness issues which can take place when your body isnt used to the same workload because of the gap of 5 years. That is completely different point.

I have no issues he took retirement from tests however, as I said before PCB as an employer has every right to opt for strategies to ensure youngsters want to keep on representing Pakistan in tests.

Again whatever cruelty happened with Amir in terms of mishandling him, it is no way related to the policy which we are seeing in the contracts. When a freelancer project to project worker gets paid after each project becuause his services arent available throughout the year than there is no reason its must that he be on the permanent pay roll of the company, it doesnt work like that in other fields as well.

If Amir is only available for LOIs while for the rest of the months he is unavailable for tests and he is playing foreign leagues, why is PCB supposed to pay him on monthly basis. His services arent available to PCB throughout the year so there is no particular reason to keep on paying him just like other players in my opinion.

He will be getting match fees for every ODI and T20 match he will play for Pakistan just like everybody else. On top of that he will be free to play whatever he wants and wherever he wants when he is not in Pak colors.

Where is the injustice here? What are we arguing about? He gets around $170,000-$200,000 or more in PSL, he will be getting $100,000+ in almost every other league he plays and he plays min of two on most occasions. He can go for more if he wants and on top of that he will be getting match fees, allowances and tournament fees(generally are pretty big).

If he doesnt get $80,000 more is it really that big a deal that we can call mistreatment and hitting his livelihood? On the other hand the message which it sends to other cricketers is that they want them to be willing to play test cricket for Pakistan as well if they want to see a long future as contracted player.

Regarding the slave part I wasnt trying to come up with any thing, point is regarding the excuse of mismanagement of workload and that he couldnt speak. I am willing to accept his body not being as strong fact due to absence of 5 years but using him more than his liking and he couldnt speak up to the right person while new management came in recently is just odd.

 

[Prince of Pakistan]

What will they achieve with this? Are they trying to get Amir back into the Test squad?

Amir is still one of our better limited overs bowler so at the least deserved an B or C contract.

 

[Saj]

But then you have players who will never ever play white ball cricket for Pakistan yet they are given central contracts and some amongst the top categories.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

I was one of the first ones in the Amir’s retirement thread who said that it might be fitness issues which can take place when your body isnt used to the same workload because of the gap of 5 years. That is completely different point.

I have no issues he took retirement from tests however, as I said before PCB as an employer has every right to opt for strategies to ensure youngsters want to keep on representing Pakistan in tests.

Again whatever cruelty happened with Amir in terms of mishandling him, it is no way related to the policy which we are seeing in the contracts. When a freelancer project to project worker gets paid after each project becuause his services arent available throughout the year than there is no reason its must that he be on the permanent pay roll of the company, it doesnt work like that in other fields as well.

If Amir is only available for LOIs while for the rest of the months he is unavailable for tests and he is playing foreign leagues, why is PCB supposed to pay him on monthly basis. His services arent available to PCB throughout the year so there is no particular reason to keep on paying him just like other players in my opinion.

He will be getting match fees for every ODI and T20 match he will play for Pakistan just like everybody else. On top of that he will be free to play whatever he wants and wherever he wants when he is not in Pak colors.

Where is the injustice here? What are we arguing about? He gets around $170,000-$200,000 or more in PSL, he will be getting $100,000+ in almost every other league he plays and he plays min of two on most occasions. He can go for more if he wants and on top of that he will be getting match fees, allowances and tournament fees(generally are pretty big).

If he doesnt get $80,000 more is it really that big a deal that we can call mistreatment and hitting his livelihood? On the other hand the message which it sends to other cricketers is that they want them to be willing to play test cricket for Pakistan as well if they want to see a long future as contracted player.

Regarding the slave part I wasnt trying to come up with any thing, point is regarding the excuse of mismanagement of workload and that he couldnt speak. I am willing to accept his body not being as strong fact due to absence of 5 years but using him more than his liking and he couldnt speak up to the right person while new management came in recently is just odd.

The argument is fairly simple. Either the PCB should keep a consistent policy and not give contracts to all white-ball only players. But Iftikhar, who just broke into the team has a contract. Usman Shinwari got a contract. Sarfraz, who isn't even in any team for any format, got a contract. Therefore, it seems harsh that Amir and Wahab who actually performed quite well at the WC got the short end of the stick.

We can go on and on about availability but the simple fact is that Iftikhar, Imad Wasim, Shinwari are guys who are unlikely to play much (if any) test cricket. Shinwari struggles to even make the playing eleven. Whereas, there is simply no justification in my eyes for Sarfraz's contract other than perhaps the fact that he is a senior player.

Either the PCB should be direct and say Amir and Wahab are no longer in our plans. If they are then what is the point of punishing them? It doesn't help anyone and if the PCB did actually set out to, and/or intend to punish them (only they will know) then that just shows their small-mindedness more than anything else.

 

[Titan24]

We can go on and on about availability but the simple fact is that Iftikhar, Imad Wasim, Shinwari are guys who are unlikely to play much (if any) test cricket. Shinwari struggles to even make the playing eleven. Whereas, there is simply no justification in my eyes for Sarfraz's contract other than perhaps the fact that he is a senior player.

Shinwari and Iftikhar did play a test or two last season. Thing is the names you have mentioned were not voluntary unavailable, also not to forget Shinwari had multiple stress fractures on few occasions and I had doubts he will play any longer former cricket, credit to him for playing FC cricket where he performed decently and got selected in tests.

As said before I personally think we have quite a few promising young fast bowlers after well over a decade or so and if it shows them that they will have to work hard towards their fitness to keep playing test cricket like then its not a bad decision at all. Amir has been treated exceptionally well by PCB throughout is early teenage to saga and post his ban. I dont think its too much to ask for if it really sends a message across.

It was a good debate, where you have made solid points from Amir’s perspective and I tried to put forward the what PCB’s perspective could have been. Both the stances can be argued and can have points for and against them.

 

[chacha kashmiri]

Amir is very lucky that he got an opportunity to play for Pakistan again. Salman Butt and Mohd Asif were not so lucky. Danish Kaneria got a life ban from the ECB for a similar offence

Not sure this is a bad thing for amir, he can play as many international leagues as he wants and he will apply for British citizenship and probably end his career like mohammed akram

Riaz has been quite badly punished and he isn't even good enough at test level to command a regular spot although he has been in amazing form recently
I'm not sure if central contracts are only for test players

 

[KingOfPakBreakfast]

But then you have players who will never ever play white ball cricket for Pakistan yet they are given central contracts and some amongst the top categories.

Ok, so if I read between the lines, we are saying that Azhar Ali, the captain of the most perceivably important format, be in a lower category. That would, in effect be seen as showing a lack of importance to Test Cricket itself.

Abbas is your Test spearhead and an actual effective work horse given his bowling style.

Asad Shafiq is a senior test batsman, who whilst not setting the world alight, has not had a truly serious challenger for that no.6 position.

Yasir Shah, despite his precipitous drop in form in the last two years, is Pakistan's only senior experienced Test spinner.

Shan Masood is your Test opener and arguably your next Test captain.

Are you suggesting that these four lads be relegated to the C category rather than B? Frankly speaking, that would be very demotivating for Abbas and Shan, who through performances and hard work have made their place in the team.

Similarly, category B gives Asad Shafiq that further responsibility of him being a senior who needs to earn his keep. If he doesn't better his average this year, you may well see him drop down to 'C' in 2021

Lastly, I understand the scepticism that many share about Yasir's 'B' contract. However he's always seemed an emotional type and a 'C' contract may well have floored his confidence. Mushtaq in his consultant role still believes that Yasir can come back to his old effectiveness and I believe that myself. The 'B' contract demonstrates that belief that the coaching staff have in Yasir.

So, in closing, I understand the scepticism but I feel that more factors should be considered when judging these contract awards.

 

[Saj]

Ok, so if I read between the lines, we are saying that Azhar Ali, the captain of the most perceivably important format, be in a lower category. That would, in effect be seen as showing a lack of importance to Test Cricket itself.

Abbas is your Test spearhead and an actual effective work horse given his bowling style.

Asad Shafiq is a senior test batsman, who whilst not setting the world alight, has not had a truly serious challenger for that no.6 position.

Yasir Shah, despite his precipitous drop in form in the last two years, is Pakistan's only senior experienced Test spinner.

Shan Masood is your Test opener and arguably your next Test captain.

Are you suggesting that these four lads be relegated to the C category rather than B? Frankly speaking, that would be very demotivating for Abbas and Shan, who through performances and hard work have made their place in the team.

Similarly, category B gives Asad Shafiq that further responsibility of him being a senior who needs to earn his keep. If he doesn't better his average this year, you may well see him drop down to 'C' in 2021

Lastly, I understand the scepticism that many share about Yasir's 'B' contract. However he's always seemed an emotional type and a 'C' contract may well have floored his confidence. Mushtaq in his consultant role still believes that Yasir can come back to his old effectiveness and I believe that myself. The 'B' contract demonstrates that belief that the coaching staff have in Yasir.

So, in closing, I understand the scepticism but I feel that more factors should be considered when judging these contract awards.

You can read between the lines. I know who I feel don't deserve category B contracts. Ask yourself are they really going to win or save you a match.

 

[Savak]

It's funny how the same people who justified Misbah's A contract when he was only playing test cricket under the pretext that the captain of the test team, the most premier format of the game deserves the za category are now opposing Azhar Ali being given a B contract

 

[MenInG]

Wahab Riaz speaking on TV:

"I will let the board know if I wish to return to red-ball cricket but so far I dont have such plans"

 

[MenInG]

Lahore: Pakistan’s pacer Wahab Riaz said that he doesn’t have any plans yet to return to the elite form of the game ‘Test Cricket’.

Speaking to a news channel, Riaz said that if he feels comfortable playing red-ball cricket at any point in the near future, he will show his availability for selection.

“Currently, I am not planning to make a comeback in Test cricket. But, yes as soon as I make myself ready to play Test cricket, I will inform the board about my availability,” he said.

The fast bowler reiterated that he didn’t skip Test cricket to earn money through professional cricket leagues. “See, I wasn’t a part of the Test team since 2017 so there is no point that I was behind money or anything else. I wanted to have a little rest from Test cricket and focus on white-ball format,” he maintained.

Riaz wasn’t disappointed at all after losing renewed Central Contract. “My main priority is to represent my country. For me, playing for country is bigger than getting a central contract,” he concluded.

It must be noted here that Riaz took rest from Test cricket for an indefinite period last year. He wanted to make himself available for more white-ball cricket in the longer term. Along with Mohammad Amir, he lost the renewed central contract.

https://arysports.tv/plans-return-test-cricket-wahab-riaz/

 

[Kroll]

Amir and Wahab haven't been lighting the world on fire, but surely they deserved contracts ahead of three of the biggest bums in the team - Azar, Shafiq and Yasir who have been given top contracts and are merely passengers.

 

[Kroll]

Asad Shafiq is a senior test batsman, who whilst not setting the world alight, has not had a truly serious challenger for that no.6 position.

I think that's garbage. You seriously think in the 7+ years that Shafiq's been given a free ride, there's not been one single batsman that could play in that position in all that time that could do better?

His buddy Misbah kept him in the side when he was captain, and now that he's CS and Head Coach, the gravy train continues. Players that deserved an opportunity weren't given one.

 

[MenInG]

Pakistan pacer bowler Wahab Riaz found himself out of the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) central contract for the 2020-21 season alongside Mohammad Amir. While many believe that the decision came as the two pacers decided to quit red-ball cricket, Wahab has issued a clarification.

The popular opinion in the Pakistan cricket fraternity is that Amir and Wahab had quit the longest format in order to make more money from league cricket. While there has been widespread criticism of the duo's decision, with the likes of Wasim Akram, Shoaib Akhtar and a number of former players slamming them for the decision, Wahab said that money is not why they decided to move on from Test cricket.

"There is a false impression that we have given up red-ball cricket to make money from leagues. There is no such thing. We have always preferred to play for Pakistan and our decision should be respected. Since 2017, I was not even a regular fixture of the Test squad. I had barely played a Test,” the 34-year-old was quoted as saying by Pakistani newspaper The Nation.

Admitting to the possibility of being removed from the central contract due to their decision of not playing red-ball cricket, Wahab said that it might also be possible that PCB wanted to back younger players more.

“It is possible that we have been exemplified for quitting red-ball cricket or maybe the PCB wanted to give a chance to young fast bowlers and groom them by awarding them with central contracts,” he opined.

Wahab might no longer have a central contract but he said to be keen on playing for Pakistan in international cricket which still remains a priority for him.

“The central contract is not my priority as I always want to play for the country, not just for the central contact. It will be an honour to play for the country whenever the opportunity arises.”

About the prospect of returning to play the longest format, Wahab said that he hasn't thought about it yet but won't shy away from approaching PCB when he does.

“I have not thought or planned to return to red-ball cricket. When I feel like playing the Test cricket, I will surely inform the PCB about my decision,” Wahab continued.

The veteran Pakistan pacer also shared his thoughts on the ICC's ruling to disallow usage of saliva on the ball to shine it. He said that an efficient substitute is certainly required.

“It’s absolutely necessary for bowlers to shine the ball otherwise it could cause problems in swinging the ball. There should be a substitute that bowlers can use in place,” he concluded.

Both Amir and Wahab had quit Test cricket after the 2019 World Cup concluded. Since then a number of young seamers have been tried in the whites by PCB.

https://www.timesnownews.com/sports...-cricket-to-make-more-money-wahab-riaz/598970

 

[chazam]

Pakistan pacer bowler Wahab Riaz found himself out of the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) central contract for the 2020-21 season alongside Mohammad Amir. While many believe that the decision came as the two pacers decided to quit red-ball cricket, Wahab has issued a clarification.

The popular opinion in the Pakistan cricket fraternity is that Amir and Wahab had quit the longest format in order to make more money from league cricket. While there has been widespread criticism of the duo's decision, with the likes of Wasim Akram, Shoaib Akhtar and a number of former players slamming them for the decision, Wahab said that money is not why they decided to move on from Test cricket.

"There is a false impression that we have given up red-ball cricket to make money from leagues. There is no such thing. We have always preferred to play for Pakistan and our decision should be respected. Since 2017, I was not even a regular fixture of the Test squad. I had barely played a Test,” the 34-year-old was quoted as saying by Pakistani newspaper The Nation.

Admitting to the possibility of being removed from the central contract due to their decision of not playing red-ball cricket, Wahab said that it might also be possible that PCB wanted to back younger players more.

“It is possible that we have been exemplified for quitting red-ball cricket or maybe the PCB wanted to give a chance to young fast bowlers and groom them by awarding them with central contracts,” he opined.

Wahab might no longer have a central contract but he said to be keen on playing for Pakistan in international cricket which still remains a priority for him.

“The central contract is not my priority as I always want to play for the country, not just for the central contact. It will be an honour to play for the country whenever the opportunity arises.”

About the prospect of returning to play the longest format, Wahab said that he hasn't thought about it yet but won't shy away from approaching PCB when he does.

“I have not thought or planned to return to red-ball cricket. When I feel like playing the Test cricket, I will surely inform the PCB about my decision,” Wahab continued.

The veteran Pakistan pacer also shared his thoughts on the ICC's ruling to disallow usage of saliva on the ball to shine it. He said that an efficient substitute is certainly required.

“It’s absolutely necessary for bowlers to shine the ball otherwise it could cause problems in swinging the ball. There should be a substitute that bowlers can use in place,” he concluded.

Both Amir and Wahab had quit Test cricket after the 2019 World Cup concluded. Since then a number of young seamers have been tried in the whites by PCB.

https://www.timesnownews.com/sports...-cricket-to-make-more-money-wahab-riaz/598970

I feel sorry for wahab...he is 34...he got tagged along with amir.. he was not even selected for test matches.

 

[Forum363]

I feel sorry for wahab...he is 34...he got tagged along with amir.. he was not even selected for test matches.

Yeah, to be honest had Amir not retired, Wahab could have quietly retired from tests without any issues whatsoever. PCB would have continued to select him for limited overs and kept his central contract.

He didn’t seem to be in the frame for Test Selection and is at the age when some batsmen even retire from the game.

 

[shaz619]

[MENTION=132916]Junaids[/MENTION] if we're talking merit then sure, perhaps Aamir deserves a contract based on white ball prospects even if I am ignoring you wanting him to selectively play certain Tests for a moment..... but lets be frank, he is being punished for his Test retirement specifically because the PCB invested in him post-fixing saga which you have posted about in great detail, in fact criticising both Butt and Aamir more then anyone among the trio.

 

[Junaids]

[MENTION=132916]Junaids[/MENTION] if we're talking merit then sure, perhaps Aamir deserves a contract based on white ball prospects even if I am ignoring you wanting him to selectively play certain Tests for a moment..... but lets be frank, he is being punished for his Test retirement specifically because the PCB invested in him post-fixing saga which you have posted about in great detail, in fact criticising both Butt and Aamir more then anyone among the trio.

I know, but Misbah is cutting off his own nose to spite his face.

 

[KingOfPakBreakfast]

I think that's garbage. You seriously think in the 7+ years that Shafiq's been given a free ride, there's not been one single batsman that could play in that position in all that time that could do better?

His buddy Misbah kept him in the side when he was captain, and now that he's CS and Head Coach, the gravy train continues. Players that deserved an opportunity weren't given one.

Right, so how about some alternatives then?

 

[MenInG]

Karachi, Jun 9 (PTI) Dropped from PCB''s central contract list reportedly for quitting Test cricket, left-arm fast bowler Wahab Riaz said he decided to stop playing the traditional format as he was being repeatedly ignored by the national selectors.
Wahab who turns 35 this month, said he had not been selected in Pakistan''s Test team since October, 2018 and that was the trigger behind his decision to quit the format last year.

"I played a Test in October, 2017 and then got another chance after exactly one year against Australia also in October on a flat pitch and was then dropped again for more than a year," he recalled in an interview.

"If I can''t play, it is not for me. So I was focussing on white ball cricket and felt it would be best if I focussed on T20s and ODIs," said Wahab, who has a combined total of 228 wickets from 27 Tests, 89 ODIs and 31 T20 Internationals.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) dropped Wahab, who made his Test debut in 2010 in England as well as fellow left-arm pacer Muhammad Aamir from their new central contracts list which starts next month.

The general perception is that both the pacers were punished apparently for deciding to leave Test cricket when Pakistan needed them.

Wahab, who plays in most of the T20 leagues around the world, however, said playing for Pakistan was far more important for him than getting a central contract.

"I am fit and bowling well and I want to represent Pakistan in white ball cricket so my aim is to play for my country. Not getting a central contract is up to the cricket board," he said.

Wahab, who attained fame after his five wickets in the 2011 World Cup semi-final against India at Mohali and then his blistering spell to Australian Shane Watson in the 2015 World Cup quarter-final, said he would continue to play cricket as long as he felt he can contribute.

"I like to be in the thick of action and do things for my team. If I can help my team win that is the most important thing for me, nothing else," he said.

Wahab said bowling on the flat tracks in UAE had helped him become a better bowler

https://www.outlookindia.com/newssc...g-ignored-for-2-years-says-wahab-riaz/1860333

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Misbah-ul-Haq "We have spoken with Wahab Riaz and if needed, he will be available for practice matches and also Test matches on the tour of England" <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENGvPAK?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ENGvPAK</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saj_PakPassion/status/1271397689947799553?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[angrypathan]

Makes sense. Don't see him in our best XI though. Shaheen, Naseem, Abbas and maybe Faheem depending on the conditions

 

[shamaan]

Makes sense. Don't see him in our best XI though. Shaheen, Naseem, Abbas and maybe Faheem depending on the conditions

Agree they will use him for intra matches for the batters to get used to pace and bounce

 

[MenInG]

Lahore: Pakistan’s experienced pacer Wahab Riaz has expressed his displeasure over not playing the number of matches in his 12-year career.

However, Wahab feels lucky to play for Pakistan and fulfilled his ambition in a country where there is so much competition among fast bowlers.

“I will be very honest, personally, I am not satisfied with the number of matches played for Pakistan in my career but the beauty of Pakistan cricket is fast bowlers and there is so much competition among them,” Wahab said while talking to reporters via video conference.

“At times, you are performing well and sometimes not. One thing should also be noted that we have played most of our cricket in the UAE from 2010 to 2019 where our spinners dominated the most,” he added.

Read also: ‘So far, no plans to return to Test cricket’ Wahab Riaz
Wahab, who has been in the news lately for his indefinite break from Test cricket, also revealed that he is available to play the longer format.

“PCB called me regarding my comeback in Test cricket and they inquired me to play if available. I straight away said yes because my priority is to play for Pakistan,” he added.

Wahab was named in the 29-men squad for England tour, which will depart on June 28 for three Tests and as many T20Is.

“Very happy on my inclusion in the squad. We all know that the players have not played cricket in the last three months but individually we are training and are eager to start playing cricket during unusual circumstances,” he maintained.

“There will be a lot to learn from England and West Indies series which would be the first major happening in the game of cricket,” he added.

https://arysports.tv/not-satisfied-matches-played-12-year-career-wahab/

 

[MenInG]

Wahab Riaz taken 2/6 in 2 overs today vs Northern

Below are rest of his performances at the National T20