Shadab Khan, Pakistan’s versatile all-rounder, has expressed hope for Imad Wasim’s potential comeback from retirement in international cricket. Khan has urged Wasim to reconsider his decision and join the Pakistani squad ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.
Imad Wasim played a crucial role in securing Islamabad United’s third Pakistan Super League (PSL) title. His outstanding performances earned him the ‘Player of the Match’ award in all three knockout stage matches of the recently concluded tournament.
In the Eliminator 1 against Quetta Gladiators, the left-arm spinner claimed three wickets for just 12 runs in his four overs. He then showcased his batting prowess by scoring an unbeaten 59 off 40 balls, comprising nine boundaries, guiding the team to victory over Peshawar Zalmi in Eliminator 2.
In the final match against Multan Sultans in Karachi, the 35-year-old delivered an exceptional performance, securing a five-wicket haul to restrict the opposition to 159/9. Additionally, he played a vital role in the run chase, contributing an unbeaten 19 runs in a low-scoring encounter.
Shadab Khan, the captain of Islamabad United, has voiced optimism regarding Imad Wasim’s retirement reconsideration, hoping he will make himself available for this year’s World Cup. Shadab stressed the significance of Imad’s participation, emphasizing Pakistan’s need for players of his caliber.
“I conveyed to Imad when he made the decision that I didn’t want him to depart,” Shadab revealed. “Pakistan truly requires players of his caliber. Hopefully, through discussions, he’ll reconsider, particularly with the World Cup drawing near and considering his performance and experience in the CPL.”
During the 2021 T20 World Cup, Imad Wasim secured four wickets in six matches, with his standout performance being 2/25 against Afghanistan. However, he was excluded from the recent tournament in Australia, as selectors favored Mohammad Nawaz and Shadab as the primary spinners.
Since April last year, Imad hasn’t featured in a T20I for Pakistan. His last appearance saw him bagging two wickets against New Zealand in Rawalpindi. He remains receptive to a potential recall, particularly if requested by Pakistan T20I captain, Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Recently, Imad Wasim addressed the potential of returning to international cricket, expressing his readiness to contribute to Pakistan if required. “I built my reputation representing Pakistan, and if my nation calls upon me, I am prepared to serve. If not, I have no objections,” Wasim informed local media last week.
The Pakistani all-rounder surprised many by announcing his retirement from international cricket in November of the previous year. He had featured prominently in prestigious tournaments such as the 2019 World Cup and the 2021 T20 World Cup.
Making his debuts in ODIs and T20Is in 2015, the seasoned cricketer amassed notable statistics in his career, playing 55 ODIs and 66 T20Is. His contributions included accumulating 986 runs and claiming 44 wickets in ODIs, along with 486 runs and 65 wickets in T20Is.
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