Is Imad Wasim out of the T20 World Cup 2024? Imad Wasim, the star all-rounder, missed the opening game against the USA due to a rib injury. And it seems like the injury is more severe than previously reported. Imad is still a doubt for the next high-voltage against India clash.
Although the PCB shared a video of him bowling in the nets. Yet, Pakistan will make its final decision on the day of the game depending on his fitness.
In his absence, Pakistan has struggled to keep the team balanced. Despite continuous concerns about Azam Khan’s bowling performance, they chose to play him in the game against the US. Pakistan also relied only on Shadab Khan as their only spinner.
Imad Has A More Serious Injury Than Indicated
Just ten days before, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) put Imad’s removal from the last T20I against England due to “precautionary reasons” caused by a possible rib injury. However, recent updates show that the injury is severe. And PCB hides it from the media.
According to reports, Wasim will return from the United States and is unlikely to recover before the World Cup concludes. It is a major setback for Pakistan. They are already lacking in spin with an out-of-form Shadab Khan and an inexperienced Abrar Ahmed.
The balance that Imad brings with the bat is equally important for Pakistan. It is worth mentioning that Wasim was pulled back from retirement for the T20 World Cup due to his expertise in the Caribbean playing the CPL.
Mehran Mumtaz, a left-arm spinner, is seen to be a potential replacement for Wasim. The 21-year-old has yet to make his international debut. He now plays for Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League.
Wasim’s Absence Causes Selection Headaches
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Imad’s likely unavailability is a big blow to Pakistan’s chances of beating India. His absence has already shown flaws in their bowling power, especially in the spin department. In their first match, Pakistan completely trusted the ability of Azam Khan and Shadab Khan.
This strategy fell short, with Azam Khan being out with ‘0’ scores. And Shadab received criticism from skipper Babar Azam for Pakistan’s lack of spin-bowling effectiveness.
While this rib issue has not affected Wasim in the past. He has a history of dealing with injuries throughout his career. A longstanding knee problem has limited his ability to play longer forms consistently.
Due to his knee injury, he was given more time to complete a fitness test for the 2019 World Cup. He even took a temporary break from international cricket in 2023.
Wasim chose not to sign a central contract when he returned to the national team earlier this year, focusing instead on this World Cup.
With Pakistan’s qualifying for the knockout rounds already hanging in the balance, Wasim’s participation in what may be his final international match remains uncertain.
Predicted Pakistan XI Against India
Pakistan will face their historic rival India in their second appearance in the T20 World Cup 2024. On June 9, the Asian powerhouses will fight in New York’s Nassau County Stadium.
With Wasim sidelined, Saim Ayub will most likely return to the XI in place of the struggling Azam Khan.
Probably XI: Saim Ayub, Haris Rauf, Shadab Khan, Mohammed Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi, Babar Azam(c), Usman Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Naseem Shah, Mohammed Amir, and Fakhar Zaman.
About the Author
Zartash Zulfiqar is a passionate cricket writer whose love for cricket shines through in every word. From match analyses to player profiles, she delivers insightful commentary that resonates with fans worldwide. Stay tuned for the latest from the world of cricket, brought to you by Zartash.
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