In the ever-fluctuating landscape of international cricket retirements, a new development has come to the forefront as Pakistani all-rounder Imad Wasim indicates a readiness to exit retirement if his nation beckons. This narrative is no stranger to the cricketing world, where several players have oscillated between retirement and active play. Notably, cricketers like Shahid Afridi, who made multiple comebacks, and Ben Stokes, who briefly retired from ODI cricket only to return for England’s World Cup campaign last year, exemplify this trend. Wanindu Hasaranga’s recent rescindment from Test retirement further punctuates this pattern, though it came with a consequential two-match ban.
Imad Wasim recently showcased his enduring prowess in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), where he played a pivotal role in capturing the trophy for Islamabad United. Operating under the captaincy of Shadab Khan, Imad was a formidable force, amassing 126 runs across nine innings. Batting lower down the order, he maintained an impressive strike-rate of 128.57. His bowling was equally impressive, netting 12 wickets in the same number of matches at an economical rate of just 6.6. Imad’s performance peaked during the final against the Multan Sultans, where he delivered a spellbinding 5 for 23 before securing his team’s championship victory with an unbeaten 19 runs in a nail-biting last-ball finish.
When asked about a possible return to international cricket, Imad stated his intentions are contingent upon the needs of Pakistan. “I made a name for myself playing for Pakistan, and if my country needs me, I’m ready to serve. If not, there are no qualms on my part,” he conveyed to media representatives. The all-rounder also mentioned a post-retirement call from pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi, to which he responded that discussions would wait until the conclusion of the PSL.
The Pakistani selection committee is on the brink of announcing a long list of players for an upcoming training camp at the prestigious army base in Kakul, starting March 25. Following the camp, the squad for the home five-match T20I series against New Zealand will be selected from this group. Should Imad Wasim’s name appear among the camp’s attendees, it could signify a definitive end to his retirement.
The forthcoming T20I series is scheduled between April 18 and April 27, setting the stage for a potential international return for Imad Wasim. However, this series coincides with the Indian Premier League (IPL), causing major New Zealand players to miss the tour due to their commitments in the lucrative franchise tournament.
As the cricketing world turns its gaze towards the prospects of this series and the larger T20 World Cup in 2024, the cycle of retirements and comebacks remains a topic of enduring intrigue and speculation. The potential return of a seasoned player like Imad Wasim introduces an element of excitement and anticipation for the Pakistani fans and the cricket fraternity at large.
In the meantime, cricket continues to unfurl its diverse tapestry of narratives, with Australian cricketer Cameron Bancroft’s unfortunate absence from the Sheffield Shield final due to a cycling accident, and the women’s cricket circuit bustling with activity as Bangladesh and Australia face off in an ODI series. Moreover, the IPL 2024 stirs further conversation as Ashwin reveals his surprise at Sunrisers Hyderabad’s decision to switch captaincy from Markram to Cummins. These stories, together with Imad Wasim’s potential comeback, underscore the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the sport.
