Wahab Riaz named caretaker Sports Minister of Pakistan’s Punjab province

Wahab Riaz, Pakistan’s sidelined left-arm quick bowler, has been named the caretaker Sports Minister of the Punjab province, marking his entry into politics whereas nonetheless lively on the cricket circuit.

Wahab, who’s at present taking part in within the Bangladesh Premier League, will take oath after he returns to Pakistan.

There isn’t any official phrase on what this implies for his involvement with the Pakistan Super League.

The 37-year-old has been retained by Peshawar Zalmi for this yr’s Pakistan Super League and is anticipated to meet his dedication to the group regardless of his appointment because the caretaker Sports Minister of the Punjab province.

Wahab final performed for Pakistan in 2020 and has appeared in 27 Tests, 92 ODIs and 36 T20 internationals. He is the main wicket-taker within the PSL with 103 wickets.

Wahab’s appointment was confirmed by the caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Friday and the cricketer will most likely maintain this place till elections of the Punjab Assembly are held within the subsequent three to 4 months.

Pakistan’s Punjab state this month dissolved the native legislature on the recommendation of the chief minister, an ally of former premier Imran Khan, in a bid to pressure snap elections.

Wahab will not be the primary cricketer to hitch politics. Cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan served as Pakistan’s prime minister from August 2018 to April 2022.

Pacer Sarfaraz Nawaz was an elected Member of the National Assembly and served as sports activities minister within the Benazir Bhutto authorities within the 90s.