Pakistan's superstar all-rounder Imad Wasim addressed rumors of tension with captain Babar Azam just before their series against Ireland. He assured fans that there's no animosity between them and their sole focus is on winning the upcoming T20 World Cup under Babar's leadership. Pakistan are in full swing preparing for the T20 World Cup 2024 which will be jointly hosted by the USA and the Caribbean this June. Pakistan recently drew their T20I series with New Zealand and have upcoming matches against Ireland and England as crucial warm-up games. The lead-up to the World Cup saw some significant changes for the Pakistani team. Earlier, Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir reversed their retirements and made themselves available for the Pakistan's T20 World Cup squad. Additionally, Babar Azam was reinstated as captain, taking over from Shaheen Afridi. This captaincy change raised eyebrows, as media reports have hinted at a strained relationship between Imad and Babar. Allegedly, their disagreements during the PSL even led to Babar leaving the Karachi Kings franchise.
Imad Wasim quashes rumours of rift with Babar Azam
Imad Wasim firmly dismissed the rumors and made it clear that both Babar Azam and Mohammad Amir are close friends and there are no issues between them. His top priority, he declared to the media, is to bring T20 World Cup 2024 trophy for Pakistan.
"There is nothing bitter between us. I, Babar, and Amir are very good friends. We fully support our captain and want to win the T20 World Cup 2024 under the captaincy of Babar Azam," as quoted by CricketAddictor.
"You never know that Babar Azam is re-appointed as captain of Pakistan to win T20 WorldCup 2024," he added.
Pakistan are gearing up for the T20 World Cup with a busy warm-up schedule. They'll be facing Ireland in a three-match T20I series followed by a four-match series against England.
To prepare for these matches and ultimately the World Cup, Pakistan have selected an initial 18-man squad. This squad boasts some exciting returns, including Haris Rauf and Hasan Ali after injuries, and the explosive duo of Mohammad Rizwan and Azam Khan. The experienced Babar Azam leads the team, alongside established stars like Imad Wasim, Mohammad Amir, and Shaheen Afridi. After these warm-up matches, the squad will be trimmed down to a final 15 players for the T20 World Cup.
Pakistan's squad for T20I series against Ireland and England
Babar Azam (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Usman Khan.
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