Imad Wasim, the all-rounder from Pakistan, has decided to step away from international cricket, ending an incredible 8-year journey with the national team. He shared the news on social media, making it official on a Friday.
Looking Back
Imad, known for his skills as a left-arm spinner and lower-order batter, played in 55 ODIs and 66 T20Is for Pakistan. His cricket adventure wrapped up in April this year during a T20I against New Zealand in Rawalpindi.
Retirement Announcement
In his own words, he wrote on social media platform X, “In recent days I have been doing a lot of thinking about my international career and I have come to the conclusion that now is the right time for me to announce my retirement from international cricket.” Imad took a moment to thank the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for standing by him.
Gratitude
He expressed gratitude to the PCB, saying, “I would like to thank the PCB for all their support over the years – it has truly been an honor to represent Pakistan. Each of my 121 appearances across the ODI and T20I formats was a dream come true.” At the end of the tweet, he also thanked his fans, friends, and family, “Thank you to the Pakistan fans for always supporting me with such passion. A final thank you to my family and friends who have been so important in helping me achieve at the highest level.”
The Cricket Journey
Imad, now 34, started his cricket journey with the Under-19 World Cup win in 2006. His international debut happened in 2015 during a T20I against Zimbabwe, marking the return of cricket to Pakistan six years after the attack on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore. Later he captained the team in 2019 for two ODIs against Australia in Dubai, when regular captain Shoaib Malik was out with an injury.
Highlights
Imad played a key role in Pakistan’s triumph at the 2017 Champions Trophy and featured in major events like the 2016 T20 World Cup, 2019, and the 2021 T20 World Cup. His stats include 44 wickets and 986 runs in ODIs and 65 wickets with 486 runs in T20Is, with his best bowling performance identical in both formats of 5 for 14.
What’s Next?
Imad is eager to focus on the next chapter of his playing career away from the international spotlight. As he bows out, he leaves behind a legacy of skill and leadership, contributing to the rich tapestry of Pakistan cricket.
