Wahab Riaz invites West Indian legend Brian Lara to Pakistan
Riaz was honoured with Lara’s praise and felt the need to meet the legend
Karachi: Floored by the praise showered on him by Brian Lara, pacer Wahab Riaz has invited the West Indian legend to Pakistan. Riaz, who was one of Pakistan's few standout performers in a failed World Cup campaign, said on his Twitter account that he felt 'honoured' to know that Lara wants to meet him.
I feel really proud and honoured that legend @BrianLara wants too meet me. I invite the great man 2 Pakistan n would be honoured 2b his host
— Wahab Riaz (@WahabViki) March 24, 2015"I feel really proud and honoured that legend Brian Lara wants too meet me. I invite the great man to Pakistan and would be honoured to be his host," Riaz said.
The left-arm pacer's fiery spell against Australia earned him widespread praise from former and present players and Lara was upset when the International Cricket Council decided to fine Riaz for his verbal showdown with Australian Shane Watson.
It was a joy 2 watch Wahab Riaz bowling today his stats will never reveal how great a spell of fastbowling that was from d Pakistani. #CWC15
— Brian Lara (@BrianLara) March 20, 2015Lara had said he would love to meet Riaz and termed the ICC's decision to fine him "uncalled for". He also offered to pay for it himself. "I don't know what the ICC is thinking. It's just uncalled for. We need this in a sport that people are running away from, especially 50-over cricket. I loved the exchange," Lara said on an Indian channel.
"It was above the board as far as I'm concerned and I can't wait to meet him. I want to meet with (this) Riaz guy. I'll pay the fine," Lara said.
Riaz said he was happy that his bowling had been appreciated by so many people but would have loved to see Pakistan win the quarterfinal. "We all did our best but we couldn't win the quarterfinal and I don't think anyone can be blamed. But I am happy I was able to step up for Pakistan and bowl well," he said.