Pakistan fast bowler Wahab Riaz has been ruled out of the two-match T20 series against Sri Lanka in Colombo. Zia-ul-Haq, another left-arm fast bowler, replaces him as the PCB had previously announced.
Wahab had been included in the 15-man squad subject to a return to full fitness, but the fracture he sustained to his bowling hand during the Test series last month has not completely healed. He resumed bowling today at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore but later tweeted that he might need another week to feel 100%
“Wahab Riaz bowled in nets today at NCA, ” a PCB message said. “He still feels stiffness in his bowling hand. Thus he withdrew himself from T20s squad. Zia-ul-Haq already announced in the squad will replace him.”
Twenty-year old Zia played all six tour matches in Sri Lanka – three List A and three first-class fixtures – and picked up nine wickets. He is yet to play international cricket, though. He has 18 domestic T20s and 17 wickets under his belt, including a five-for on debut for Lahore Lions against Faisalabad Wolves in 2012.
