Islamabad United captain Shadab Khan wants his teammate and former Pakistan international cricketer Imad Wasim to roll back the decision on his retirement. Shadab feels Waism will have much to offer to the Pakistan cricket team in the ICC T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies considering his experience in the conditions while playing in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
"I spoke with Imad when he retired & asked him not to leave because Pakistan needs such players. I will talk to him on this topic soon as the T20 World Cup is approaching. I'd like to see him back in the team because of the kind of form he is in & the amount of experience he has in CPL. I think we can benefit from that," Shadab told the media after Islamabad United’s five-wicket win over Babar Azam-led Peshawar Zalmi on March 16.
Wasim has been Islamabad United's go-to man in the knockout clashes. He picked up three wickets for just 12 runs against Quetta Gladiators in the Eliminator 1. Against Peshawar Zalmi, he bowled an economical spell conceding 23 runs. In the run chase, he rescued Islamabad United from 50/4. The southpaw scored 59 runs from 40 balls including nine fours. He shared an unbeaten 98-run partnership for the sixth wicket with Haider Ali to take Islamabad United to the final where they will face Multan Sultans on March 18.
Wasim over Nawaz?
Wasim announced his retirement from international cricket in 2023. There have been question marks over the inclusion of Mohammad Nawaz in the squad while many consider Wasim is a better option.
Wasim’s long CPL career
He has been a part of Jamaica Tallawahs during his CPL career from 2016 to 2023. He is the second-highest wicket-taker for Pakistan in CPL, only seven wickets behind former pacer Sohail Tanvir.
Pakistan to play 9 T20Is before T20 WC
Before the T20 World Cup 2024, Pakistan will play five T20Is at home against a second-string New Zealand side from April 18 to 27. In May end, they will tour England for four T20Is before heading for the mega event.
It will be interesting to see if the selectors lose faith in Nawaz and ask Wasim to come out of retirement as Pakistan look to end their long wait for a second T20 WC trophy.
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