Full Name: Wahab Riaz Date of Birth: June 28, 1985 Birthplace: Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan Position: Left-arm fast, lower-order batter Wahab Riaz is the embodiment of raw pace, unyielding aggression, and boundless heart. A left-arm fast bowler who lit up cricket fields with his fiery spells and animated celebrations, Wahab is best remembered not only for the wickets he took, but the way he took them — with fight, flair, and fearlessness. His passion for the green shirt never wavered, even as his role evolved from express pacer to senior statesman in Pakistan’s bowling ranks. Born in Lahore, Wahab's cricketing journey began in the cricket-crazed streets of Punjab. He attended Aitchison College, one of Pakistan’s most elite institutions, and was soon making waves with his pace in the domestic circuit. His ability to bowl over 145 kph consistently and trouble even the best batters earned him a national call-up, and he made his ODI debut in 2008 against Zimbabwe. Wahab's name etched itself into cricket history during the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup semi-final against India. On the biggest stage of his career, he produced a breathtaking five-wicket haul, dismissing key Indian batters like Virat Kohli and Yuvraj Singh with searing pace and unrelenting accuracy. Though Pakistan lost the match, Wahab won hearts and admiration for his fearless effort. But the moment that immortalized Wahab Riaz in cricket folklore came in the 2015 ICC World Cup quarter-final against Australia. With venom in his eyes and thunder in his run-up, Wahab unleashed one of the most ferocious and emotionally charged spells ever witnessed. His bouncer-laden assault on Shane Watson — punctuated by a piercing glare and relentless hostility — was pure theater. Though Watson survived, the spell is remembered as one of the greatest in World Cup history. It showcased Wahab's core: a warrior who gave his everything. Throughout his career, Wahab was often in and out of the national side, competing in an era of fierce fast bowling talent. Yet, he remained resilient, making comebacks time and again — notably in 2019, when he returned for the World Cup after a hiatus and bowled with maturity and aggression in equal measure. In T20s, Wahab became a dependable performer, especially in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Representing Peshawar Zalmi, he became the league’s most successful bowler with 100+ wickets. His leadership, especially as Zalmi’s captain, earned him respect from both teammates and opponents. Though not a frontline batter, Wahab had the ability to swing the bat effectively in the lower order. He played several cameos that turned games around, often with sheer audacity and power. In 2023, Wahab announced his retirement from international cricket, bringing down the curtain on a career full of fire and fight. Shortly after, he took up a new chapter as caretaker Sports Minister for Punjab, continuing his service to Pakistani sport in a new capacity. Wahab Riaz is remembered not just for his pace, but for his passion. He played with emotion, carried himself with pride, and gave Pakistan fans memories that will echo for generations.