Pakistan’s star allrounder, Imad Wasim, has voiced a compelling argument for a transformative approach within the national cricket team. As the team reels from disappointing performances in the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, Imad insists that the only way to achieve unparalleled results is by dispelling the ‘fear of failure.’
A spirited advocate of playing with audacity, Imad, at 35, believes that Pakistan’s current squad is brimming with potential. “Our players are capable of playing any brand of cricket,” he declares, emphasizing the need to “play fire with fire” to reach their zenith. His comments were published by ESPNcricinfo on the cusp of Pakistan’s T20 World Cup fixture against Ireland in Lauderhill, Florida, a match of little consequence given Pakistan’s premature exit from the tournament. They faced early defeats against the USA and India, triggering widespread speculations about impending changes within the team upon their return home.
Imad, however, is skeptical of such changes yielding any substantial benefit. Instead, he argues that the solution lies in a paradigm shift in attitude and outlook. “Our team is so good, our players are so good, that we can play any kind of cricket. We haven’t tried that, but the thing is, you have to try that, you have to get rid of the fear of failure,” Imad articulates with fervor.
Elaborating further, he adds, “In everything—batting, bowling, fielding—you have to get rid of the fear of failure. Personnel change doesn’t change anything; just changing the mindset can change a lot of things. The same ball can be hit for a six, a four, a single, or that same ball can take a wicket and be a dot ball.” His message is clear: Attitude can make all the difference.
Revisiting the golden era when Pakistan “used to rule in T20 cricket,” Imad underscores the importance of a mindset overhaul across all facets of the game. “We compete with the world’s best teams. Their mindset has changed over time. We used to rule in T20 cricket. I think we have moved back a little now. Maybe our mindset needs a change—in all three areas.
. I won’t say any one area,” he posits.
Imad’s reflections are not just retrospective but also forward-looking. He urges the team to adopt a fearless outlook for forthcoming ICC events, forecasting that such a shift could lead to groundbreaking achievements. “If you change the mind of the player, you can achieve things beyond your limits. I always believe in this. You can talk a lot, but it is what it is,” he states.
Reflecting on the harsh reality of their early exit, Imad maintains optimism for the future. “Today, we are out of the tournament, and whatever happens in the next World Cup, whoever plays, however they play, I think if we go with the right approach, the results will be better for us.”
Pakistan’s early exit from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup has caused considerable uproar back home. Following their lackluster performances, the calls for a comprehensive review and potential transformation of the team management and player roster have grown louder. In such a scenario, Imad’s insistence on a psychological shift rather than merely swapping players serves as a thought-provoking recommendation. His comments highlight a broader issue in cricket—how mental resilience and the right mindset serve as the backbone for sustained success in the sport.
Imad’s views raise questions about the broader administration and training methods within Pakistani cricket. Are the younger players given enough psychological coaching to handle high-pressure games? Are they encouraged to play freely and aggressively without the looming fear of repercussions?
The cricketer’s endorsement of playing ‘fire with fire’ offers a renewed perspective on modern-day cricket, where teams around the world have increasingly adopted an aggressive and fearless approach. The dominating performances of teams like England and Australia in recent years serve as prime examples. Interestingly, these teams have managed to balance aggression with strategic acumen, traits that Imad evidently believes Pakistan can emulate given the right mindset.
As the journey back home begins for Pakistan’s cricketers, the reflections and insights from seasoned players like Imad Wasim will loom large. Only time will tell if these suggestions translate into action and whether the forthcoming changes will be enough to revive the glory days of Pakistani cricket. One thing is clear: the call for a mindset revolution is resounding and may indeed be the crucial element Pakistan needs to climb back up the ranks in international cricket.
