Wahab Riaz likely to receive NOC to play in World Championship of Legends

LAHORE – Former Pakistan pacer and current Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official Wahab Riaz is set to make a return to the field as he eyes participation in the upcoming World Championship of Legends.

The tournament, scheduled to be held in England later this month, is expected to feature several former cricket stars.

Wahab, who has been associated with the PCB in various roles, has been included in the Pakistan Champions squad for the event. This marks a shift from earlier this year when he was denied permission to serve as the bowling coach for Quetta Gladiators in Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 10. However, sources say that the PCB is likely to issue him a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the upcoming tournament.

Wahab Riaz, who retired from international cricket five years ago, has expressed his interest in coaching Pakistan Shaheens in the future. He has already been seen guiding bowlers in recent skills camps organized by the PCB.

The Pakistan Champions squad also includes former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed. Other confirmed players for the event include Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Malik, Sharjeel Khan, Asif Ali, Kamran Akmal, Aamer Yamin, Sohail Khan, and Sohail Tanvir. The team is owned by Kamil Khan, who is the brother-in-law of former head coach Waqar Younis.

Wahab had previously served as the head of the PCB’s Champions Cup mentorship project, which involved five mentors: Misbah-ul-Haq, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Saqlain Mushtaq, Shoaib Malik and Waqar Younis. While Shoaib Malik has since stepped down, the others have continued despite indications from the board suggesting resignation.

Sources said that since these mentors were receiving salaries of Rs5 million per month, the board would be required to pay three months’ salary if they are removed from their roles.

Regarding former cricketers’ participation in leagues, the PCB clarified that, like active players, ex-players are allowed to participate in up to two leagues per year.

However, during this period, they do not receive salaries from the board.

Pakistan Champions lost the final to India in the previous edition of the World Championship of Legends. That squad was led by Younis Khan.

However, the participation of Younis and Misbah in the upcoming tournament remains uncertain.

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