Pakistan’s cricket team is facing a significant setback as their all-rounder Imad Wasim will be absent from the first T20 World Cup match against the United States of America (USA) on Thursday, June 6. Captain Babar Azam confirmed Imad’s unavailability, stating, “Imad Wasim is suffering from a side strain, which means he won’t be able to play in our opening match.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Medical Team has advised Imad to rest, as he had experienced discomfort in his right rib cage while batting in the nets before the fourth T20I against England late last month, causing him to miss that match as well. Babar Azam expressed optimism regarding Imad’s participation in the rest of the tournament, saying, Although Imad won’t play the first game, we hope that he will be available for the rest of the matches.
Imad is expected to be ready for selection for the match against India on June 9 in New York. This news comes as a blow to Pakistan, as Imad Wasim has been a key player in the team’s lineup, known for his all-round abilities with both bat and ball. The team will have to find a suitable replacement to fill the void left by Imad’s absence in the crucial opening match against the USA.
Despite this setback, Pakistan remains optimistic about their chances in the tournament, with Babar Azam leading the squad with confidence. The team has been training hard and is determined to put up a strong performance in the upcoming matches. Imad’s absence will undoubtedly be felt, but the rest of the players will have to step up and deliver to secure victories in his absence.
Pakistan squad for first T20 World cup match:
Babar Azam (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Usman Khan
Pakistan’s schedule of matches:
6 June Pakistan vs USA, Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium, Dallas
9 June Pakistan vs India, Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York
11 June Pakistan vs Canada, Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York
16 June Pakistan vs Ireland, Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium, Lauderhill, Florida
