In a surprising turn of events, Pakistani all-rounder Imad Wasim has officially declared his retirement from international cricket. The decision comes amidst a cloud of uncertainty surrounding his participation in the Abu Dhabi T10 League, for which the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not yet issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC). Contrary to this, the coach of the Islamabad team in the National T20 Cup claims that the PCB has indeed issued the NOC for Imad Wasim to play in the T10 league.
Imad Wasim, who was named in the Islamabad squad for the National T20, intended to play under the captaincy of Haris Rauf. However, the announcement of his retirement from international cricket has shed light on his reasons for not prioritizing domestic cricket, despite having commendable statistics. In a statement, the left-handed all-rounder explained,
“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.”
Delving into Imad Wasim’s impressive career stats provides insight into his significant contributions with both bat and ball. In ODIs, he played 55 matches, scoring 986 runs with a highest score of 63*. His batting average stands at an impressive 42.86, showcasing his prowess as a reliable middle-order batsman. In T20Is, Imad participated in 66 matches, accumulating 486 runs with a highest score of 64*. While his average in this format is lower at 15.18, his strike rate of 131.70 demonstrates his ability to accelerate the scoring when needed.
Switching to the bowling aspect of his career, Imad Wasim has been a consistent wicket-taker across formats. In ODIs, he claimed 44 wickets in 55 matches, with an average of 44.47. His best bowling figures in ODIs are 5/14, illustrating his effectiveness with the ball. In T20Is, Imad’s bowling figures are even more impressive, with 65 wickets in 66 matches at an average of 21.78.
When it comes to First-Class cricket, Imad Wasim showcased his all-round capabilities with both bat and ball. In 77 matches, he scored 3702 runs at an average of 40.68 and took 141 wickets, underlining his utility as a genuine all-rounder. His best figures in this format are 8/81, a testament to his effectiveness as a bowler in the longer format.
In List A cricket, Imad Wasim continued to impress, amassing 2659 runs at an average of 36.93 and taking 130 wickets. His best figures of 5/14 highlight his ability to contribute in both departments of the game. Finally, in T20s, Imad’s impact is evident with 3531 runs and 290 wickets in 318 matches, showcasing his all-round prowess in the shortest format of the game.
Imad Wasim’s retirement marks the end of an era for Pakistani cricket, leaving fans to reminisce about his valuable contributions to the team over the years. As he embarks on a new chapter in his career, the cricketing community will undoubtedly miss his versatile skills on the international stage.
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