In a significant turn of events for Pakistan cricket, Imad Wasim, one of their premier cricketer, has announced his return from retirement in anticipation of the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 scheduled to be held in the West Indies and USA from June 1st.
The decision to reverse retirement prior to T20 World Cup 2024
Imad’s decision to reverse his retirement from international cricket came after being excluded from the ODI World Cup squad last year. Following consultations with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), he announced his comeback on social media platform X, expressing his happiness and gratitude towards the PCB for reinstating their trust in him. Imad declared his availability for Pakistan cricket in the T20I format, particularly aiming for success in the global showpiece event.
“I am happy to announce that pursuant to meeting PCB officials, I have reconsidered my retirement and am delighted to declare my availability for Pakistan cricket in T20i format leading up to ICC T20i World Cup 2024. I would like to thank the PCB for reposing trust in me and I would give my very best to bring laurels to my country. Pakistan comes first!,” Imad wrote.
I am happy to announce that pursuant to meeting PCB officials, I have reconsidered my retirement and am delighted to declare my availability for Pakistan cricket in T20i format leading up to ICC T20i World Cup 2024.
I would like to thank the PCB for reposing trust in me and I…
— Imad Wasim (@simadwasim) March 23, 2024
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Stellar performance in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024
Imad’s recent performances for Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) have been exemplary, playing a pivotal role in securing their third PSL title. His exceptional contributions during critical moments of the tournament, mainly in the 1st and 2nd Eliminators and the final, earned him the title of the team’s best player. Notably, Wasim’s standout performances included registering bowling figures of 3/12 in the first Eliminator, playing a match-winning knock of 59* in the second Eliminator, and claiming a crucial 5-wicket haul in the final while also contributing with the bat, exemplifying his all-round capabilities and importance to his team’s success.
Potential impact on Pakistan’s T20 World Cup campaign
Despite not being part of Pakistan’s squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2022, where Pakistan eventually lost the final against England, Imad’s potential inclusion for the 2024 edition presents an opportunity for the team to strengthen its lineup. With Wasim’s experience and all-round abilities, Pakistan, as the winners of the 2009 T20 World Cup, will be aiming to advance further in the tournament and potentially secure another title.