Pakistan’s left-arm pacer Wahab Riaz has requested the national side’s bowling coach Waqar Younis to go easy on him with regards to his statements and attitude.
Earlier this week, Waqar in a video conference with reporters, criticised the left-arm pacers Mohammad Amir and Riaz for giving up Test cricket, in order to focus on their white-ball career.
Last year in September, Wahab decided to take an “indefinite break” from red-ball cricket, following Amir’s abrupt retirement from Test cricket.
“The staff had to select youngsters for the Australia tour because Amir and Wahab ditched us before it was to get underway,” said Younis.
Waqar, in an Instagram live session on Wednesday, advised the 34-year-old to work hard and keep his hunger alive for representing Pakistan.
“My firm belief is that you have got cricket left in you, you just keep working hard and Pakistan always need you. There is no match for experience when it comes to any form of the game. I think you still have desire that you want to play for Pakistan. If you keep that hunger, it will bring you back,” he said.
Wahab agreed with Waqar, but requested the former cricketer to not be too hard on him.
“That’s what my motive is and I will keep doing it, but please go easy on me. At times, you get so angry with me when I don’t do good, you don’t even talk to me for a long time,” replied Riaz.
After which, Waqar explained the reason behind his aforementioned behavior towards the pacer.
“I get angry because I have spent time with you since your childhood. I know you are capable but sometimes you don’t do what is required,” he said.
Finally, the Lahore-born pacer revealed his plan regarding his future in international cricket.
“If I am talking realistically, I have another three to four years of cricket left in me depending on my fitness,’’ he said. “I will always give first preference to Pakistan instead of leagues. Even when I am playing in leagues around the world, my eye is on representing Pakistan. I feel if I perform in these leagues, I have more chance of representing Pakistan.’’
“I learnt a big lesson after getting dropped post 2017 Champions Trophy. I made sure whatever cricket I play, I perform in that and make a comeback in Pakistan team. As long as I have the desire to play for Pakistan, I will keep working hard,” he concluded.
