Peshawar Zalmi's pacer Wahab Riaz has revealed his purpose behind playing in the ongoing eighth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
In an interview with Geo.tv, Wahab said: "PSL is such a platform that everyone wants to perform and grab the attention of the selectors. The purpose of playing is to make a comeback in the national side. Like everyone else, I want to play for Pakistan."
"I also keep myself active by playing leagues. I am still fit and playing cricket, and now I have to perform wherever I get a chance."
Before the PSL, the veteran fast bowler, Wahab, was named to the Punjab government's caretaker cabinet.
Asked about his new position, he said: "When I got an opportunity to enter politics, I tried to take advantage of it. I had thought of doing something for other sports besides cricket. Cricketers have more daily privileges and fame."
"We need to do a lot for the Olympics and other games, including hockey, squash, and badminton. My target is to conduct more tournaments and give incentives to the players."
Wahab was replaced as captain of the Peshawar after Babar Azam joined them in November 2022.
Under Babar's leadership, the Yellow Storm kicked off their PSL campaign by defeating Karachi Kings by two runs at the National Bank Cricket Arena in Karachi on February 14.
"Peshawar Zalmi have started well in PSL, but the continuity has to be maintained. The success in the first match has given me confidence, and a good combination of the team has also been formed. For me, it is not important who is performing, I want to see how I perform," he said.
Asked about getting hit for six maximums in a row by Iftikhar Ahmed during the exhibition match between Quetta Gladiators and Peshawar Zalmi in Quetta on February 5, Wahab said: "I don't care about getting hit for six sixes. There was no sorrow when I got hit for six maximums, and there is still no sorrow. Credit goes to Iftikhar Ahmed, who is in great form. Hitting six sixes is not easy. It was an exhibition match, not as intense as a domestic match. The performance in the PSL is what matters."
Peshawar Zalmi will next take on Multan Sultans at the Multan Cricket Stadium on February 17.
Sohail Imran Sohail Imran is a senior reporter for Geo News.