Imad Wasim to be seen in the T20 World Cup? PCB urges all-rounder to reconsider retirement after PSL performance

Imad announced his retirement from international cricket in November 2023.

New Delhi: Pakistan all-rounder Imad Wasim has been asked by the Pakistan Cricket Board to reconsider his retirement from international cricket and play the T20 World Cup, which starts in the US and West Indies from June.

Imad had a brilliant season in PSL. He helped Islamabad United to a third title in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). He took a five-wicket haul to restrict Multan Sultans to 159/9 and returned later in the match to lead the chase home with an unbeaten 19*.

This was the third match in which Imad was the standout player for his team. In Eliminator 1 against Quetta Gladiators, the left-hander claimed three crucial wickets, followed by another impressive performance in Eliminator 2 against Peshawar Zalmi where he scored an unbeaten 59.

Imad announced his retirement from international cricket in November 2023. But Pakistan Test captain and Islamabad United teammate Shadab Khan has contacted Imad, hoping he will feature in this year’s 20-over major event.

“I actually want that. When Imad made the decision, I also told him that I did not want him to leave,” Shadab was quoted by the ICC. “Because Pakistan needs players like him. “God willing, if there is a discussion with him, hopefully he will come back because the World Cup is approaching and the way he is performing and his experience in the CPL (Caribbean Premier League), Pakistan definitely needs him,” he added .

Despite not having played in a T20I for Pakistan since his two-wicket haul against New Zealand in Rawalpindi in April last year, Imad has left open the possibility of a possible recall if skipper Shaheen Afridi decides to request his return.

“I made a name for myself playing for Pakistan and if my country needs me, I will be available. If that is not the case, I have no problem with that,” Imad said. “Shaheen called me after I retired but I told him that we will talk after PSL.”