The Pakistan national cricket team has faced a major blow ahead of the match against India in the T20 World Cup 2024. Star all-rounder Imad Wasim has been virtually ruled out of the entire tournament due to a side injury he faced before the match. against the United States of America (USA) as reported by BBN.
Reports claim that Imad Wasim has not recovered from the injury and is not 100%. The all-rounder was expected to get fit before the game against India, but that was not the case. The match between the two teams will take place on Sunday (June 9) at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York.
Reports claimed that the Pakistan cricket team management wants Imad Wasim to play against India. The all-rounder is likely to be given painkillers and injections to play against the Rohit Sharma-led team. He brings a lot of variety and the team is desperate to play with him.
It is also learned that Imad Wasim will most likely be sent home after the match against India at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York. There is only a 20% chance that the all-rounder will stay with the team for the rest of the tournament.
If Imad Wasim is excluded from the 2024 T20 World Cup, it will be a huge blow to the Pakistan cricket team. The all-rounder provides crucial balance for the team as apart from being a quality bowler, he is also a useful batsman in the team’s order.
Imad Wasim recently came back from retirement after PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi asked him to take up the call. The all-rounder played a brave role for the team in the series against New Zealand, Ireland and England.
Imad Wasim did not participate in the match against the United States due to injury and his absence was quite evident. Pakistan lost the game in the super over and faced a lot of criticism for the defeat they suffered against the associate nation.
Recently there were reports claiming that Imad Wasim will return to the XI for the match against India. It was learned that he was all set to replace Azam Khan in the team. The wicketkeeper-batsman has been struggling to get going and has also faced a lot of punctures.
But now that Imad Wasim is afraid of getting injured, it remains to be seen which combination the team would opt for. They would be under pressure ahead of the match against India and the all-rounder’s injury would not have done any good for his confidence.
Mehran Mumtaz will replace Imad Wasim in the squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup
Reports also claimed that Mehran Mumtaz is likely to replace Imad Wasim in the squad for the T20 World Cup 2024. This is because captain Babar Azam and head coach Gary Kirsten want a left-arm player in the equipment.
Mehran Mumtaz also reportedly passed his fitness test at NCA Lahore and was told to stay there as a reserve. It remains to be seen when PCB will make an official announcement related to the same.