Lahore, September 13: Left-arm Pakistan pacer Wahab Riaz has taken an indefinite break from red-ball cricket in order to focus on limited-overs formats. "After reviewing my past couple of years' performances in red-ball cricket and the upcoming limited overs cricket, I have decided to take time off from first-class cricket," Riaz said in a statement released by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Thursday. Misbah-ul-Haq to Lead 17-Day Conditioning Camp for Pakistan Cricketers, Former Pak Skipper Appointed As Camp Commandant by PCB.

He has conveyed his decision to the PCB while confirming that he has withdrawn from the upcoming Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, the first-class competition in Pakistan. While has hasn't ruled out his return to red-ball cricket in the future, the left-armer stressed that he would do so only if he's convinced that that he can perform.

"During this period, I will like to focus on 50-over and 20-over cricket, and continue to assess my fitness for the longer version of the game. At a stage I feel I cannot only return but also perform with the red-ball, I would make myself available," he added.

The 34-year-old last made a Test appearance against Australia in October 2018. Having made his Test debut in 2010, Riaz has featured in 27 Tests for Pakistan, grabbing 83 wickets.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 13, 2019 10:26 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).