Disgraced Pakistani pacer Wahab Riaz has entered politics whereas nonetheless energetic on the cricket circuit after being appointed performing sports activities minister in Punjab province.
The left-armed quick bowler, who at the moment performs in Bangladesh’s Premier League, will take his oath after returning to Pakistan.
The 37-year-old has been signed by Peshawar Zalmi for this yr’s Pakistan Tremendous League and is anticipated to dwell as much as his dedication to Zalmi’s facet regardless of being appointed Sport Minister.
Wahab, who final performed for Pakistan in 2020, has featured in 27 Checks, 92 ODIs and 36 T20 internationals. With 103 wickets, he’s the main wicket-taker within the PSL.
Wahab’s appointment was confirmed by Punjab’s Performing Prime Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Friday and the cricketer is more likely to maintain the place till the Punjab Meeting elections within the subsequent three to 4 months.
In an interview on Friday, Wahab stated that former chief selector Muhammad Wasim and ex-Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ramiz Raja had not been truthful to high-ranking gamers like himself, Shoaib Malik and Sarfaraz Ahmed.
He additionally stated he knew Ramiz was the ultimate vote when it got here to selecting the Pakistan facet however he wasn’t exhibiting the seniors the respect they deserved.
Wahab will not be the primary cricketer to enter politics as a former captain. Imran Khan has remained prime minister, whereas one other pacesetter, Sarfaraz Nawaz, was an elected MNA and served as sports activities minister in Benazir Bhutto’s authorities within the 1990s.