Imad Wasim bids farewell to his international cricket career, leaving behind a legacy of 55 ODIs and 66 T20Is for Pakistan.
Pakistan allrounder Imad Wasim has announced his retirement from international cricket, bringing an end to a career that spanned 121 appearances across the ODI and T20I formats. Imad, known for his left-arm spin and lower-order batting, last represented Pakistan in April this year in a T20I against New Zealand. In a heartfelt post on social media, he expressed gratitude to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), his fans, and his loved ones for their unwavering support throughout his journey.
A Career Steeped in Passion and Achievement
Imad Wasim, now 34, began his cricketing journey as part of Pakistan’s victorious Under-19 World Cup team in 2006. He later captained the side in the 2008 edition of the tournament. Despite these early successes, his international debut came in 2015 during a T20I against Zimbabwe in Lahore, marking the return of international cricket to Pakistan after a six-year hiatus following the attack on the Sri Lankan team. Imad’s inclusion in the squad for the subsequent T20 World Cup in 2016 further solidified his place in the national team.
Contributions with Bat and Ball
Throughout his career, Imad Wasim showcased his versatility as an allrounder. In ODIs, he amassed 986 runs and claimed 44 wickets, while in T20Is, he scored 486 runs and took 65 wickets. Notably, his best bowling performance of 5 for 14 remains the same in both formats, underscoring his consistency and skill. Imad’s contributions were invaluable in crucial moments, often providing stability to Pakistan’s middle order and making vital breakthroughs with his left-arm spin.
A Time for Reflection and Transition
Imad Wasim’s decision to retire from international cricket comes at a time when Pakistan cricket is undergoing a transition with new coaches and leadership on the horizon. In his retirement statement, he expressed his confidence in the team’s future success and extended his well wishes to all involved. While bidding farewell to the international stage, Imad now looks forward to the next phase of his playing career, focusing on new opportunities and challenges.
A Grateful Farewell
Imad Wasim expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the PCB for their unwavering support throughout his international career. He acknowledged the honor and privilege he felt representing Pakistan in every match and thanked the passionate Pakistani fans for their unwavering support. Imad also acknowledged the importance of his family and friends in helping him achieve success at the highest level.
Conclusion: Imad Wasim’s retirement from international cricket marks the end of an era for Pakistani cricket. His contributions as an allrounder, both with bat and ball, will be remembered fondly by fans and teammates alike. As Pakistan cricket looks ahead to a new era, Imad’s retirement serves as a reminder of the dedication and passion that drives players to excel on the international stage.
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