Calls for Pakistan’s Imad Wasim to reconsider retirement before T20 World Cup

Imad Wasim’s stellar performances in the recent Pakistan Super League (PSL) have ignited discussions about his potential inclusion as a wildcard in the upcoming T20 World Cup. The all-rounder played a pivotal role in Islamabad United’s triumph in the PSL, showcasing his prowess with both bat and ball.

During the tournament, Imad Wasim stood out with several match-winning contributions. Notably, he delivered a brilliant performance by picking up a crucial five-wicket haul against Multan Sultans, helping restrict them to 159/9. Moreover, he played a vital role in guiding Islamabad United’s run chase with an unbeaten 19*.

His consistent performances throughout the PSL have positioned him as a strong candidate for Pakistan’s T20 World Cup squad. Despite announcing his retirement from international cricket last November, calls are now growing louder for Imad to reconsider his decision, given his recent form and experience in T20 cricket.

Shadab Khan, the captain of Islamabad United, has already reached out to him, urging him to make himself available for the T20 World Cup. Shadab believes that Imad’s bowling style and experience, particularly in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), make him a valuable asset for Pakistan’s T20 campaign.

“I want to, in fact, when Imad made the decision, I had also told him that I didn’t want him to leave. Because Pakistan needs players like him. God willing, if there is a discussion with him, hopefully, he will come back because the World Cup is approaching and the way he is performing and his experience in CPL, Pakistan definitely needs him,” Shadab stated as quoted by ICC.

Although Imad Wasim has not featured in a T20 International (T20I) for Pakistan since April last year, he has left the door slightly open for a potential comeback if skipper Shaheen Afridi requests his return.

“I made a name for myself while playing for Pakistan, and if my country needs me, I will be available. If not, I have no issues with that. Shaheen called me after I retired, but I told him that we would talk after PSL,” Imad mentioned.

The discussions around Imad’s potential comeback highlight the depth of talent and the dynamic nature of team selections in international cricket, especially with major tournaments like the T20 World Cup on the horizon.