Wahab hoping for Pakistan comeback by playing under Babar’s captaincy

Wahab Riaz is hoping to impress his Peshawar Zalmi captain, Babar Azam, with his performances in the eighth season of HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL).

Wahab was the captain of Zalmi in PSL 7, but decided to step down after Babar was traded into the squad for eighth season.

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While speaking in post-match press conference after Zalmi’s four-wicket win over Quetta Gladiators on Monday, the veteran left-arm pacer said that he is hoping to use the marquee tournament as a way to make a comeback in the national side, led by Babar.

“It is good that Babar has come to Peshawar Zalmi. You expect Pakistan captain to lead in franchise cricket as well,” Wahab said.

“As a player, I am enjoying myself. I have a better chance to show him or prove to him, what I am capable of. I can perform in this tournament and make a comeback [in national team]. It is good that he is leading, because there is less pressure on me. I can think about my bowling and execute it well,” he added.

Wahab’s ultimate dream is to play the 2023 World Cup later this year in India and repeat his heroics from 2011 World Cup semi-final, in which he took a fifer against eventual winners of that tournament, India.

“My aim is to win matches in this tournament in different situations. Your performance is not only dependent on how many wickets you take. It also depends on how you have bowled in different pressure situations,” he said.

“I am looking forward to it and if it is in my fate, then I will definitely play 2023 World Cup,” he added.