Pakistan allrounder Imad Wasim has announced his return to T20I cricket after withdrawing his retirement from the format. In a statement on social media, Imad expressed his delight in declaring his availability for Pakistan cricket in the T20I format, specifically targeting the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024. However, he clarified that his availability extends only until the conclusion of the T20 World Cup and that he does not anticipate signing a central contract.
Imad’s decision to come out of retirement comes on the heels of a successful 2024 Pakistan Super League (PSL) season, where he played a pivotal role for Islamabad United, culminating in a five-wicket haul in the final, securing the championship title for his team. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had approached Imad earlier in the week, urging him to reconsider his retirement, to which he agreed without any conditions.
Renowned for his all-round abilities and impressive record in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Imad presents a valuable option for Pakistan, especially considering the T20 World Cup will largely take place in the West Indies this year. With 61 wickets at an average of 18.88 and an economy rate of 6.20 in the CPL, Imad’s experience and performance make him a compelling choice for the national team.
Imad’s return raises questions about his contractual status with the PCB, as he currently shows no interest in a central contract. However, any potential signing would subject him to the same NOC policy as other players, limiting his participation in overseas T20 leagues. Nonetheless, his availability until the T20 World Cup seems to be a mutually beneficial arrangement for all parties involved.
Having represented Pakistan in 66 T20Is to date, Imad has accumulated 486 runs at a strike rate of 131.70 and taken 65 wickets with an economy of 6.26. His comeback adds depth and experience to Pakistan’s T20I squad as they prepare for the upcoming challenges, including the prestigious T20 World Cup.
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