"If the selectors don’t like my face, they should be brave enough to say it" : Imad Wasim

[MenInG]

Once regarded as Pakistan's main all-round spinning option in white-ball cricket, Imad Wasim at the age of 33 has not played international cricket since November 2021, when he represented his country in the semi-final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup against Australia. With 113 appearances for Pakistan in which he has scored 1325 runs and taken 99 wickets, Imad's exclusion from international cricket has given rise to intense debate.

In an exclusive interview with PakPassion.net, Imad spoke about his disappointment at not being picked by Pakistan for their recent assignments, why the selectors need to explain the reasons for their decisions, the need for Pakistan captain Babar Azam to take a stand against flawed decisions by the selectors, his future with Karachi Kings, Pakistan's chances of repeating their 2021 performance against India in this year's T20 World Cup in Australia, his determination to play for another 5-6 years and to make a comeback for Pakistan.

PakPassion.net: How disappointed and frustrated are you that it’s been 8 months since you were last picked for Pakistan?

Imad Wasim: I am very disappointed by this and my feelings on this stem from the fact that I have performed so well for Pakistan and have not been picked for the team for a while now. At the end of the day, I can tell myself that it is what it is, but that does not take away from the fact that this is a very frustrating situation for me.


PakPassion.net: Mohammad Wasim has said that the reason for your exclusion was because your performances were not up to the mark…

Imad Wasim: It’s not up to me to respond to this, rather it’s for him to explain exactly what he means by performances which are below par. Are these recent matches he is referring to? Or is he speaking about the past where my performances have not been up to the mark? My performances are out there for all to see whether they are in the domestic One-Day Cup or in the Pakistan Super League. Of course, this year’s PSL did not go well for Karachi Kings as we only won a solitary game in the tournament, but the fact is that I was an integral part of the team and did not perform badly and that must count for something. Previous to that, I was part of the Pakistan side where I performed well and in which we went all the way through to the Semi-Final stage of the T20 World Cup in the UAE. Anyone who makes claims like these needs to back them with facts and it’s really up to Mohammad Wasim to explain his reasoning with examples.


PakPassion.net: Fitness has been stated as another reason for your exclusion from the Pakistan team, is that a justifiable reason in your view?

Imad Wasim: I don’t have an issue with this statement from the Chief Selector as long as there is a specific fitness criteria which is being followed consistently for selection purposes. But what we see are players with worse fitness than me being selected which tells me that questions about my fitness are just talk. Everyone knows what’s happening here and it seems that all these issues such as fitness have been put out there to provide some sort of justification to keep me out of the side. If they do have a proper answer to what I am saying, then I would love to hear that, and they can speak to me about it. I have served Pakistan very well throughout my career with pride and dignity and will continue to do so in the future but it’s about giving the player respect as well. What I am saying should not be a surprise to anyone as most people who watch Pakistan cricket as well as our media are aware of the facts here.


PakPassion.net: Do you agree that a part of the ‘respect’ that you speak of is for the selectors to take the time to explain their decisions to you?

Imad Wasim: Definitely so but this has been happening to me for a while now. Of course, I am within my rights to ask questions of the selectors about my exclusion, simply because I know that I have and can serve Pakistan even better than I have done before. I am passionate about my country and about my game and the selectors need to give me the respect I deserve. They must understand that I have played and will continue to play for Pakistan even when they are no longer in their positions of power or part of the setup. If they feel that by undermining me like this, they will break me and I will quit, then they are mistaken. I will keep on performing and then make a comeback and play for Pakistan.


PakPassion.net: Do you feel that your non-selection is due to personal issues not connected to cricket?

Imad Wasim: Well if they don’t like my face, they should be brave enough to say it and I will be fine with that! Seriously though, not selecting someone for the Pakistan team because of personal dislike is not only unfair to the player and his career but it’s also a disservice to our country as it’s being deprived of the services of a good player. Such actions will eventually cost the country dearly and I urge the selectors to not think of personal likes and dislikes for players when selecting squads.

PakPassion.net: Is your constant exclusion from the Pakistan side putting a strain on your relationship with Babar Azam?

Imad Wasim: I have absolutely no issues with Babar Azam as he is the captain of Pakistan and a world-class player as well. But I do feel that he has to take an interest in these matters too because he will be leading the Pakistan side for a long time and what is happening with me in terms of selection can also happen to him, Mohammad Rizwan or some other player too. Babar is doing a great job as Pakistan captain at this time, but he has to take control of selection matters and become more accountable because at the end of the day, he is the one leading the team on the field and such issues will affect his team’s results. Babar is an excellent captain, and I am sure he will look deeply into this situation.


PakPassion.net: How do you rate Pakistan’s chances in the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia?

Imad Wasim: There is no doubt in my mind that we are a dangerous side for any opponents, and we will always find a way to be more competitive and productive in Australian conditions. Those who write Pakistan sides off in such tournament do so at their own peril as we have a knack of winning games and tournaments but only if the selectors select the right players to play at the right positions in the team.


PakPassion.net: Who do you see as the main competition for Pakistan at the T20 World Cup this year?

Imad Wasim: To be honest, given the small margins of error in the Twenty20 format which can cause your downfall, it would be difficult to pick out any one side as the main threat for Pakistan. Having said that, the main teams include Australia, England, India, New Zealand, South Africa, West Indies and even Afghanistan can all be classed as threats to Pakistan. Each of these sides are tough competitors but due to the nature of the format, you can never predict what can happen when you play them.

PakPassion.net: Can Pakistan defeat India again in the T20 World Cup in Australia?

Imad Wasim: The win against India in the 2021 edition of the T20 World Cup was an amazing experience and such 10-wicket wins happen very rarely, but it’s now in the past. We have to play to our best abilities and stick to our plans when we meet them again and then whether we win by 1 wicket or 10 wickets, a win is a win and we will take that. Given our potential, we can be competitive in 2022 in Australia just like we were in the UAE in 2021. Having said that, India had a bad day last time we played, and I expect them to come at us hard this time as they will be out for revenge. We will need to stay positive in such a case and raise our cricket standards and up our game on the day.


PakPassion.net: Are you still hopeful of making it into Pakistan’s T20 World Cup squad?

Imad Wasim: As things stand, there is a lot of time to go before that tournament and a lot can happen before that time. I am very hopeful of being included in the final cut for Pakistan’s T20I squad because like I have done many times before, I can serve Pakistan cricket again to my full potential. I feel that with the will of God, I will be able to perform well and be more productive for my country in this tournament with my abilities.


PakPassion.net: How do you feel about the battle for a T20 World Cup place between Mohammad Nawaz and yourself?

Imad Wasim: To be honest, there has never been any competition like that between myself and any other bowlers. Unfortunately, this is all the making of the Selectors for reasons best known to them. I feel that I am one of the top ten all-rounders in the world but having said that Nawaz is a fantastic player and whatever he is doing is simply amazing and he is doing a great job for Pakistan. If they can play 3 ‘keepers in the side, then why can they not play two left-arm spinners who are good with the bat as well. So there really is no need for any competition as such.

The way I can serve and what I have done so far for Pakistan is way more than what many others have done or can do. I say this with greatest of respect to Nawaz who has played alongside me and who is like my younger brother. Even if you ask him, he will say that there is no competition between us. I was the number one bowler in ICC’s T20I Rankings and was the number three all-rounder in ODIs when they stopped playing me and I am still considered one of the best all-rounders in white ball formats. These ICC rankings are not a lie and are based on sound reasoning. If people still need to be convinced about my abilities, then they can make their own judgement about me by looking at my past performances.


PakPassion.net: Do you feel that not batting higher up the order had an effect on your ability to perform for Pakistan?

Imad Wasim: Whichever position I batted at was in accordance with the wishes of the team management and what suited the team plan. I have no issues playing at any position apart from being an opener as that requires a different set of skills. But at the end of the day, where one plays in the batting order is driven by the team plan and based upon their requirements at that time. As for me, I was always up for any challenge that the team threw at me and that is the beauty of cricket. Sometimes you are sent in at number 5, at other times you are asked to bat at the number 8 position – that’s just the way the game is, and I have no regrets about that at all. The fact is that I always put my hand up for whatever the team demands or needs because I am a person who never plays for myself or one who just worries about my own runs and wickets. This is exactly why I get so much respect, even when I am not in the team, because people love and admire me and that respect from all over the world is what drives me to play cricket.

PakPassion.net: What went wrong with Karachi Kings in PSL7, and do you feel that your future is still with the franchise?

Imad Wasim: If you look at Karachi’s records in the previous editions of the PSL, we have done well and reached the playoffs and have also won the title, but PSL 7 was a disappointment for us, and these things can happen. We had some issues with our squad selection and we were wrong in a tactical sense as well. We also had injuries to Mohammad Amir and some other players which didn’t help our situation at all. But I am confident that we will come back strong in the next edition. Now whether my future is with Karachi Kings or not is a decision which is up to the franchise and the tournament is still 6-8 months away so there is plenty of time for Karachi to decide if they wish to retain me. All that is in the future as far as I am concerned and at the moment, I am looking ahead to playing in the Caribbean Premier League and doing well for my team in this tournament.


PakPassion.net: What would be your advice to Haider Ali who seems to have fallen on the wayside due to his recent performances?

Imad Wasim: I would advise him to keep on being positive and doing what he does best which is to play aggressively. I know that some will not agree with my views on this and would like him to change his style of play and attitude, but I do not agree with that. The way cricket is going nowadays, he needs to play his aggressive brand of cricket and yes there will be ups and downs in his career, but he needs to keep his mindset positive and hopefully as he gets more chances, he will perform better.

Players like Haider Ali are match-winners on their day so never write them off and instead give them more opportunities and make them feel secure and they will shine. A lot of people will say that he has had lots of chances and should be discarded but we all saw how England changed their game since they gave the likes of Jason Roy and others chances to prove themselves. Those players became superstars and helped England become a force to be reckoned with as well. So, my advice to Haider would be to stay positive and keep on doing what he knows best and not worry about the opinions of people. This is because people change their opinions in a matter of two innings.

PakPassion.net: How do you see your future and do you feel you have the mental strength to make a comeback to international cricket.

Imad Wasim: I am a ‘proper’ 33-year-old player, and whilst I wish I could say that I am 27 or 28, the fact is that I am not shy of stating my true age. I feel that I have a good five to six years of cricket left in me. What I am sure about is that I will make a comeback for Pakistan, sooner or later. This is because I have great self-belief and also believe in my potential. I do not have to prove to the world that I am good enough to play but I have to show to myself that I can and will play, and God Willing you will see me in Pakistan colours soon.

[Amjid Javed]

Have to say imad is right when it comes to been given reasons for exclusion. You get selectors anywhere else in the world they will be civilised enough to give reasoning as to where they want players to specifically improve or where they have fallen down. Judging by a lot of mo Wasim selections as a selector some are pretty bizarre and poor.

There are quite a few unfit cricketers in the T20, ODI and test squads. Also form wise certain players seem to get more rope then others.

[MenInG]

Have to say imad is right when it comes to been given reasons for exclusion. You get selectors anywhere else in the world they will be civilised enough to give reasoning as to where they want players to specifically improve or where they have fallen down. Judging by a lot of mo Wasim selections as a selector some are pretty bizarre and poor.

There are quite a few unfit cricketers in the T20, ODI and test squads. Also form wise certain players seem to get more rope then others.

Azam Khan is a glaring example.

[shamaan]

Should be in the squad in t20s but not in odis.

[BunnyRabbit]

Seems like he (like most of us) is also frustrated with M Wasim.

The sly remark at proper 33 year old is kinda funny.

But I do think he needs to get a little leaner.

[Omer2002]

How can u play two left arm allrounders..nawaz is doing well so he doesnt fit in

[cricketAXEpert]

Once regarded as Pakistan's main all-round spinning option in white-ball cricket, Imad Wasim at the age of 33 has not played international cricket since November 2021, when he represented his country in the semi-final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup against Australia. With 113 appearances for Pakistan in which he has scored 1325 runs and taken 99 wickets, Imad's exclusion from international cricket has given rise to intense debate.

In an exclusive interview with PakPassion.net, Imad spoke about his disappointment at not being picked by Pakistan for their recent assignments, why the selectors need to explain the reasons for their decisions, the need for Pakistan captain Babar Azam to take a stand against flawed decisions by the selectors, his future with Karachi Kings, Pakistan's chances of repeating their 2021 performance against India in this year's T20 World Cup in Australia, his determination to play for another 5-6 years and to make a comeback for Pakistan.

PakPassion.net: How disappointed and frustrated are you that it’s been 8 months since you were last picked for Pakistan?

Imad Wasim: I am very disappointed by this and my feelings on this stem from the fact that I have performed so well for Pakistan and have not been picked for the team for a while now. At the end of the day, I can tell myself that it is what it is, but that does not take away from the fact that this is a very frustrating situation for me.


PakPassion.net: Mohammad Wasim has said that the reason for your exclusion was because your performances were not up to the mark…

Imad Wasim: It’s not up to me to respond to this, rather it’s for him to explain exactly what he means by performances which are below par. Are these recent matches he is referring to? Or is he speaking about the past where my performances have not been up to the mark? My performances are out there for all to see whether they are in the domestic One-Day Cup or in the Pakistan Super League. Of course, this year’s PSL did not go well for Karachi Kings as we only won a solitary game in the tournament, but the fact is that I was an integral part of the team and did not perform badly and that must count for something. Previous to that, I was part of the Pakistan side where I performed well and in which we went all the way through to the Semi-Final stage of the T20 World Cup in the UAE. Anyone who makes claims like these needs to back them with facts and it’s really up to Mohammad Wasim to explain his reasoning with examples.


PakPassion.net: Fitness has been stated as another reason for your exclusion from the Pakistan team, is that a justifiable reason in your view?

Imad Wasim: I don’t have an issue with this statement from the Chief Selector as long as there is a specific fitness criteria which is being followed consistently for selection purposes. But what we see are players with worse fitness than me being selected which tells me that questions about my fitness are just talk. Everyone knows what’s happening here and it seems that all these issues such as fitness have been put out there to provide some sort of justification to keep me out of the side. If they do have a proper answer to what I am saying, then I would love to hear that, and they can speak to me about it. I have served Pakistan very well throughout my career with pride and dignity and will continue to do so in the future but it’s about giving the player respect as well. What I am saying should not be a surprise to anyone as most people who watch Pakistan cricket as well as our media are aware of the facts here.


PakPassion.net: Do you agree that a part of the ‘respect’ that you speak of is for the selectors to take the time to explain their decisions to you?

Imad Wasim: Definitely so but this has been happening to me for a while now. Of course, I am within my rights to ask questions of the selectors about my exclusion, simply because I know that I have and can serve Pakistan even better than I have done before. I am passionate about my country and about my game and the selectors need to give me the respect I deserve. They must understand that I have played and will continue to play for Pakistan even when they are no longer in their positions of power or part of the setup. If they feel that by undermining me like this, they will break me and I will quit, then they are mistaken. I will keep on performing and then make a comeback and play for Pakistan.


PakPassion.net: Do you feel that your non-selection is due to personal issues not connected to cricket?

Imad Wasim: Well if they don’t like my face, they should be brave enough to say it and I will be fine with that! Seriously though, not selecting someone for the Pakistan team because of personal dislike is not only unfair to the player and his career but it’s also a disservice to our country as it’s being deprived of the services of a good player. Such actions will eventually cost the country dearly and I urge the selectors to not think of personal likes and dislikes for players when selecting squads.

PakPassion.net: Is your constant exclusion from the Pakistan side putting a strain on your relationship with Babar Azam?

Imad Wasim: I have absolutely no issues with Babar Azam as he is the captain of Pakistan and a world-class player as well. But I do feel that he has to take an interest in these matters too because he will be leading the Pakistan side for a long time and what is happening with me in terms of selection can also happen to him, Mohammad Rizwan or some other player too. Babar is doing a great job as Pakistan captain at this time, but he has to take control of selection matters and become more accountable because at the end of the day, he is the one leading the team on the field and such issues will affect his team’s results. Babar is an excellent captain, and I am sure he will look deeply into this situation.


PakPassion.net: How do you rate Pakistan’s chances in the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia?

Imad Wasim: There is no doubt in my mind that we are a dangerous side for any opponents, and we will always find a way to be more competitive and productive in Australian conditions. Those who write Pakistan sides off in such tournament do so at their own peril as we have a knack of winning games and tournaments but only if the selectors select the right players to play at the right positions in the team.


PakPassion.net: Who do you see as the main competition for Pakistan at the T20 World Cup this year?

Imad Wasim: To be honest, given the small margins of error in the Twenty20 format which can cause your downfall, it would be difficult to pick out any one side as the main threat for Pakistan. Having said that, the main teams include Australia, England, India, New Zealand, South Africa, West Indies and even Afghanistan can all be classed as threats to Pakistan. Each of these sides are tough competitors but due to the nature of the format, you can never predict what can happen when you play them.

PakPassion.net: Can Pakistan defeat India again in the T20 World Cup in Australia?

Imad Wasim: The win against India in the 2021 edition of the T20 World Cup was an amazing experience and such 10-wicket wins happen very rarely, but it’s now in the past. We have to play to our best abilities and stick to our plans when we meet them again and then whether we win by 1 wicket or 10 wickets, a win is a win and we will take that. Given our potential, we can be competitive in 2022 in Australia just like we were in the UAE in 2021. Having said that, India had a bad day last time we played, and I expect them to come at us hard this time as they will be out for revenge. We will need to stay positive in such a case and raise our cricket standards and up our game on the day.


PakPassion.net: Are you still hopeful of making it into Pakistan’s T20 World Cup squad?

Imad Wasim: As things stand, there is a lot of time to go before that tournament and a lot can happen before that time. I am very hopeful of being included in the final cut for Pakistan’s T20I squad because like I have done many times before, I can serve Pakistan cricket again to my full potential. I feel that with the will of God, I will be able to perform well and be more productive for my country in this tournament with my abilities.


PakPassion.net: How do you feel about the battle for a T20 World Cup place between Mohammad Nawaz and yourself?

Imad Wasim: To be honest, there has never been any competition like that between myself and any other bowlers. Unfortunately, this is all the making of the Selectors for reasons best known to them. I feel that I am one of the top ten all-rounders in the world but having said that Nawaz is a fantastic player and whatever he is doing is simply amazing and he is doing a great job for Pakistan. If they can play 3 ‘keepers in the side, then why can they not play two left-arm spinners who are good with the bat as well. So there really is no need for any competition as such.

The way I can serve and what I have done so far for Pakistan is way more than what many others have done or can do. I say this with greatest of respect to Nawaz who has played alongside me and who is like my younger brother. Even if you ask him, he will say that there is no competition between us. I was the number one bowler in ICC’s T20I Rankings and was the number three all-rounder in ODIs when they stopped playing me and I am still considered one of the best all-rounders in white ball formats. These ICC rankings are not a lie and are based on sound reasoning. If people still need to be convinced about my abilities, then they can make their own judgement about me by looking at my past performances.


PakPassion.net: Do you feel that not batting higher up the order had an effect on your ability to perform for Pakistan?

Imad Wasim: Whichever position I batted at was in accordance with the wishes of the team management and what suited the team plan. I have no issues playing at any position apart from being an opener as that requires a different set of skills. But at the end of the day, where one plays in the batting order is driven by the team plan and based upon their requirements at that time. As for me, I was always up for any challenge that the team threw at me and that is the beauty of cricket. Sometimes you are sent in at number 5, at other times you are asked to bat at the number 8 position – that’s just the way the game is, and I have no regrets about that at all. The fact is that I always put my hand up for whatever the team demands or needs because I am a person who never plays for myself or one who just worries about my own runs and wickets. This is exactly why I get so much respect, even when I am not in the team, because people love and admire me and that respect from all over the world is what drives me to play cricket.

PakPassion.net: What went wrong with Karachi Kings in PSL7, and do you feel that your future is still with the franchise?

Imad Wasim: If you look at Karachi’s records in the previous editions of the PSL, we have done well and reached the playoffs and have also won the title, but PSL 7 was a disappointment for us, and these things can happen. We had some issues with our squad selection and we were wrong in a tactical sense as well. We also had injuries to Mohammad Amir and some other players which didn’t help our situation at all. But I am confident that we will come back strong in the next edition. Now whether my future is with Karachi Kings or not is a decision which is up to the franchise and the tournament is still 6-8 months away so there is plenty of time for Karachi to decide if they wish to retain me. All that is in the future as far as I am concerned and at the moment, I am looking ahead to playing in the Caribbean Premier League and doing well for my team in this tournament.


PakPassion.net: What would be your advice to Haider Ali who seems to have fallen on the wayside due to his recent performances?

Imad Wasim: I would advise him to keep on being positive and doing what he does best which is to play aggressively. I know that some will not agree with my views on this and would like him to change his style of play and attitude, but I do not agree with that. The way cricket is going nowadays, he needs to play his aggressive brand of cricket and yes there will be ups and downs in his career, but he needs to keep his mindset positive and hopefully as he gets more chances, he will perform better.

Players like Haider Ali are match-winners on their day so never write them off and instead give them more opportunities and make them feel secure and they will shine. A lot of people will say that he has had lots of chances and should be discarded but we all saw how England changed their game since they gave the likes of Jason Roy and others chances to prove themselves. Those players became superstars and helped England become a force to be reckoned with as well. So, my advice to Haider would be to stay positive and keep on doing what he knows best and not worry about the opinions of people. This is because people change their opinions in a matter of two innings.

PakPassion.net: How do you see your future and do you feel you have the mental strength to make a comeback to international cricket.

Imad Wasim: I am a ‘proper’ 33-year-old player, and whilst I wish I could say that I am 27 or 28, the fact is that I am not shy of stating my true age. I feel that I have a good five to six years of cricket left in me. What I am sure about is that I will make a comeback for Pakistan, sooner or later. This is because I have great self-belief and also believe in my potential. I do not have to prove to the world that I am good enough to play but I have to show to myself that I can and will play, and God Willing you will see me in Pakistan colours soon.

At least he is telling the truth about his age, born in Britain he can't fudge his age (unlike his teammates whose ages are all suspect) . He is a far better batsman than Mohd Nawaz but unfortunately he is being sidelined. His bowling performance is not too far behind M Nawaz who is simply the favorite of the Selectors.
He is right Babar should take charge about selection matters otherwise nepotism will countinue.

[cricketAXEpert]

Should be in the squad in t20s but not in odis.

He had full backing of Mickey Arthur, he was the captain and the top T20 allrounder but once Mickey left. Misbah relentlessly tried to sideline him and push Mohd Nawaz. I mean they both can play. But in comparison he is a much better batsman than Mohd Nawaz. Mohd Nawaz the bowler is not that superior to oust Imad completely.
I hope he goes to Australia for T20 Worldcup (at least he deserves a spot in the squad)

[Colorblind Genius]

In my opinion, his bowling is usually very effective only when the wicket has a good skid with the new ball.
And it gets even better if it’s a right hander batting in the above two conditions.
He usually gets a wicket in the first couple of overs.

Otherwise, Nawaz’s over all bowling is better on almost all surfaces and almost all conditions.

Batting wise, Nawaz also has a little edge when it comes to hitting big and deposit a few quick runs at the end.

However; Imad, over all is not a bad player. He made it to the Pak team on merit and has the talent and experience of an international player. No doubt!

Perhaps both Nawaz and Imad can be selected and be played on rotation basis?

This will also keep both of them on their toes to perform or else …

[shamaan]

He had full backing of Mickey Arthur, he was the captain and the top T20 allrounder but once Mickey left. Misbah relentlessly tried to sideline him and push Mohd Nawaz. I mean they both can play. But in comparison he is a much better batsman than Mohd Nawaz. Mohd Nawaz the bowler is not that superior to oust Imad completely.
I hope he goes to Australia for T20 Worldcup (at least he deserves a spot in the squad)

Nawaz can bat in multiple batting positions he can construct a innings whilst Imad can hit big but is reluctant to come in at at earlier stage of the game even when he was captain for his psl team.Nawaz can spin the ball however Imad is good at what he does at keeping his economy low.I would definitely take him in the squad alongside Nawaz and Shadab.

[Nasty Naz]

It's a pretty simple explanation. Nawaz is younger and better.

Imad is more valuable than Nawaz with his batting but Nawaz bowling is far superior, especially in ODI's. He is also a much better fielder. Considering how much of Pakistan top order eats into most of the overs, Imad batting simply isn't needed as much.

The ODI World Cup is also due to be in India where spin will be a factor and Nawaz clearly makes more sense there. You may argue with having Imad on the side for T20's but he simply hasn't been a wicket taker like he was early in his career and that is much more needed than bowling well economically in T20. Nawaz is good at doing both.

It sucks for Imad, he has been a fairly good player over his career but I just think he is a bit redundant at this point.

[Savak]

Imad never talks about his knee. If you watch him closely he hobbles in the field, he is very late on the ball now. Look at his running between the wickets, he can't be trusted to take a quick three runs. His footwork while batting is affected as well, he is very stationary at the crease.

I don't blame the selectors for wanting to move on, the guy is no spring chicken and he is not going to improve any further.

[Titan24]

My issue with almost all our players that are not selected is that they are always talking about selectors and how injustice is being done and never really introspect.

Imad’s fitness, knee, limitations in his bowling with the older ball and a replacement available in a fitter and younger Nawaz who improved his bowling has all played a role.

Imad was a pretty solid cricketer and could have done much more in his career I believe than he has achieved so far but, its his own issues that have prevented him to achieve that most of the times.

Still a good player to have in the LOI mix but you cant really have 3 spin bowling all rounders in the squad, Nawaz overall as a cricketer provides much more considering the team combination in LOIs so is rightfully preferred.

[Varun]

The selectors should reply with: "We love his face. We just don't like his batting or his bowling."

[RedwoodOriginal]

Well he's right about almost everything he said here. If he wants to, Mohammad Wasim will make PowerPoint presentations filled with Second XI stats. On the other hand, if he doesn't like someone he'll give vague reasons for dropping them.

Nawaz may ultimately be a better option in Tests and ODIs. But I don't think anyone can deny that Imad is one of the very best T20 bowlers in the world. What he brings to the table with his miserly, world-class economy rate (that has very few comparisons in the history of T20 cricket) combined with his wicket-taking ability is not something you can find elsewhere.

[Savak]

Imad became a comfort zone stagnant cricketer. He never worked hard to take his game to the next level. He has massively underachieved with both bat and ball.

[pakistani pride]

Imad should have taken a more bigger role with regards to batting. Should bat at no 4 or 5.

Missed chance but maybe still possible.

[PakEngFan]

Imad is finished and he needs to stop crying he’s a darter and a pathetic fielder to say the least. His fitness is also awful. While his batting is only good for few slogs. Nawaz is a far better option then him.

[angrypathan]

Don’t think it’s his face the selectors have a problem with, it’s his gut

[MenInG]

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani all-rounder Imad Wasim believes Pakistan was a dangerous side for any opponents in the 2022 T20 World Cup at Australia but feels selection of the right team was important for the extravaganza.

“There is no doubt in my mind that we are a dangerous side for any opponents, and we will always find a way to be more competitive and productive in Australian conditions. Those who write Pakistan sides off in such tournament do so at their own peril as we have a knack of winning games and tournaments but only if the selectors select the right players to play at the right positions in the team,” Pakpassion.net quoted him as saying.

To a question, he said given the small margins of error in the Twenty20 format which can cause your downfall, it would be difficult to pick out any one side as the main threat for Pakistan. “The main teams include Australia, England, India, New Zealand, South Africa, West Indies and even Afghanistan can all be classed as threats to Pakistan. Each of these sides are tough competitors but due to the nature of the format, you can never predict what can happen when you play them,” he said.

Speaking about Pakistan beating India again in the T20 World Cup game, he said the win against India in the 2021 edition of the T20 World Cup was an amazing experience and such 10-wicket wins happen very rarely, but it’s now in the past.

“We have to play to our best abilities and stick to our plans when we meet them again and then whether we win by 1 wicket or 10 wickets, a win is a win and we will take that. Given our potential, we can be competitive in 2022 in Australia just like we were in the UAE in 2021. India had a bad day last time we played, and I expect them to come at us hard this time as they will be out for revenge. We will need to stay positive in such a case and raise our cricket standards and up our game on the day,” he said.

On his chances of making it in the World Cup squad, he said there was a lot of time to go before that tournament and a lot can happen before that time. “I am very hopeful of being included in the final cut for Pakistan’s T20I squad because like I have done many times before, I can serve Pakistan cricket again to my full potential. I feel that with the will of God, I will be able to perform well and be more productive for my country in this tournament with my abilities,” he said.

https://dailytimes.com.pk/970556/pak...wc-imad-wasim/

https://gulfnews.com/sport/cricket/i...sim-1.89447584

[Saj]

I have absolutely no issues with Babar Azam as he is the captain of Pakistan and a world-class player as well. But I do feel that he has to take an interest in these matters too because he will be leading the Pakistan side for a long time and what is happening with me in terms of selection can also happen to him, Mohammad Rizwan or some other player too. Babar is doing a great job as Pakistan captain at this time, but he has to take control of selection matters and become more accountable because at the end of the day, he is the one leading the team on the field and such issues will affect his team’s results

This is interesting. It seems that Imad is suggesting that Babar isn't standing up to the selectors for the players that he wants to pick.

[daytrader]

This is interesting. It seems that Imad is suggesting that Babar isn't standing up to the selectors for the players that he wants to pick.

Maybe Babar doesn't want to pick him. Really a tough choice as there's a lot of competition for the all rounder spot. Imad, Nawaz, Shadab and Faheem are all fine contenders.

[Ashmal]

Nawaz is better than Imad on current form.

[MenInG]

KARACHI: Pakistan all-rounder, Imad Wasim lashed out at the selectors of the national men’s team and stated that they should tell him if they don’t like his face.

Speaking to Pak Passion.net, Imad, who last represented Pakistan in an international match in November 2021, expressed his disappointment at not being picked for the national side, while also holding the selectors accountable for the justification for his exclusion from the international setup.

“I am very disappointed by this and my feelings on this stem from the fact that I have performed so well for Pakistan and have not been picked for the team for a while now,” Imad told PakPassion.net.

“Well if they don’t like my face, they should be brave enough to say it and I will be fine with that! Seriously though, not selecting someone for the Pakistan team because of personal dislike is not only unfair to the player and his career but it’s also a disservice to our country as it’s being deprived of the services of a good player. Such actions will eventually cost the country dearly and I urge the selectors to not think of personal likes and dislikes for players when selecting squads,” he added.

The 33-year-old all-rounder, Imad, then sought justification from the chief selector of the national men’s team Mohammad Wasim and asked him to explain what the latter exactly means by performances which are below par.

“It’s for him [Wasim] to explain exactly what he means by performances which are below par. Are these recent matches he is referring to? Or is he speaking about the past where my performances have not been up to the mark? My performances are out there for all to see whether they are in the domestic One-Day Cup or in the Pakistan Super League,” Imad said.

“I was an integral part of the team and did not perform badly and that must count for something. Previous to that, I was part of the Pakistan side where I performed well and in which we went all the way through to the Semi-Final stage of the T20 World Cup in the UAE. Anyone who makes claims like these needs to back them with facts and it’s really up to Mohammad Wasim to explain his reasoning with examples,” he added.

Imad continued by offering his opinion on chief selector Wasim’s claims that the latter’s fitness was subpar while asserting that the players with worse fitness than him got selected.

“I don’t have an issue with this statement from the Chief Selector as long as there is a specific fitness criteria which is being followed consistently for selection purposes. But what we see are players with worse fitness than me being selected which tells me that questions about my fitness are just talk,” Imad shared.

“Everyone knows what’s happening here and it seems that all these issues such as fitness have been put out there to provide some sort of justification to keep me out of the side. If they do have a proper answer to what I am saying, then I would love to hear that, and they can speak to me about it,” he maintained.

It is pertinent to mention here that Imad represented Pakistan in 113 matches since making his debut for the Green Shirts in 2015. The all-rounder, however, last donned the Pakistani jersey in the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 semi-final clash against Australia.

https://a-sports.tv/if-selectors-don...ys-imad-wasim/

[Savak]

Getting Abdul Razzaq vibes from Imad Wasim. It's everyone else's fault but not mine. Not once in the interview has he taken accountability for any potential deficiencies

[Starboy]

he was dropped because of his PSL performance.

[Abstraction1]

Getting Abdul Razzaq vibes from Imad Wasim. It's everyone else's fault but not mine. Not once in the interview has he taken accountability for any potential deficiencies

I don't like this comment. It's good to see cricketers determined and passionate about playing again.

I accept there is a fine line between determination and delusion, but Imad is a talented and proven player. Ok his day, he is a very handful player.

He gets a pass from me for his heroics against Afghanistan in the World Cup 19. It was good to see those idiotic Afghan fans eat humble pie that day.

[shokz1408]

“ The way I can serve and what I have done so far for Pakistan is way more than what many others have done or can do. I say this with greatest of respect to Nawaz who has played alongside me and who is like my younger brother. Even if you ask him, he will say that there is no competition between us.”

Not really a fan of his attitude to be honest, a bit too cocky. Doesn’t come across as a team player.

[Varun]

“ The way I can serve and what I have done so far for Pakistan is way more than what many others have done or can do. I say this with greatest of respect to Nawaz who has played alongside me and who is like my younger brother. Even if you ask him, he will say that there is no competition between us.”

Not really a fan of his attitude to be honest, a bit too cocky. Doesn’t come across as a team player.

That was apparent when he flipped/ignored captain Shadab Khan in a T20 recently.

[MenInG]

Not part of the Asia Cup squad for UAE - think Pakistan missing a trick there.

[MenInG]

Taken 3/27 in KPL2 for Mirpur Royals vs Rawalakot

[mazkhan]

Unfit cricket like one poster mentioned he is immobile in the field compare him to nawaz and shadab who are much athletic and have much more potential ability its a no brainer.

[Snowflake]

With the kind of performances that Imad had put up till he was dropped, the selectors do need to come clean on his exclusion. The silence makes the whole thing extremely dubious, and that too unnecessarily. If they have taken this call on merit, why shy away from giving both the player and the public the reason behind it?

Imad is still one of the top ranked all-rounders in T20. How can you drop him and then sit silently? I am not saying that Imad needs to be brought back, but he does deserve the reason why he was dropped, so that he can at least work towards it.

I am sure that performance/fitness is not the only reason why Imad was dropped. In that case, the selectors would have had no issues coming out clean.

[Saj]

I am sure that performance/fitness is not the only reason why Imad was dropped. In that case, the selectors would have had no issues coming out clean.

One gets the impression that it's a personal issue between one or more of the selectors and Imad.

[Nasty Naz]

With the kind of performances that Imad had put up till he was dropped, the selectors do need to come clean on his exclusion. The silence makes the whole thing extremely dubious, and that too unnecessarily. If they have taken this call on merit, why shy away from giving both the player and the public the reason behind it?

Imad is still one of the top ranked all-rounders in T20. How can you drop him and then sit silently? I am not saying that Imad needs to be brought back, but he does deserve the reason why he was dropped, so that he can at least work towards it.

I am sure that performance/fitness is not the only reason why Imad was dropped. In that case, the selectors would have had no issues coming out clean.

And drop who? Nawaz who is younger and better? Or Shadab? Neither of which are happening. I posted Imad's stats earlier and will do so again:

His T20 numbers since the 2019 WC: 23 matches, 33.12 AVG, 7.16 economy and only 16 wickets in these matches.

His numbers coincide with Pakistan not playing matches in UAE anymore as he has a 16.18 AVG and 5.56 economy in 17 matches in UAE vs 36.28 AVG and 6.51 economy in Pakistan. Overall, he has declined a bit too and that's because he is no longer in his prime & playing in his 20's anymore.

There is no big conspiracy to keep Imad out of the side. His bowling has dropped off, he is very injury prone & unfit.

Nawaz in T20's in the 3 seasons: 27.23 AVG with a 7.53 economy and 13 wickets in 14 matches. He is far better than Imad on Pakistani pitches too.

[MenInG]

Impressive start in CPL for Imad

2/20 in 4 overs

[Snowflake]

And drop who? Nawaz who is younger and better? Or Shadab? Neither of which are happening. I posted Imad's stats earlier and will do so again:

His T20 numbers since the 2019 WC: 23 matches, 33.12 AVG, 7.16 economy and only 16 wickets in these matches.

His numbers coincide with Pakistan not playing matches in UAE anymore as he has a 16.18 AVG and 5.56 economy in 17 matches in UAE vs 36.28 AVG and 6.51 economy in Pakistan. Overall, he has declined a bit too and that's because he is no longer in his prime & playing in his 20's anymore.

There is no big conspiracy to keep Imad out of the side. His bowling has dropped off, he is very injury prone & unfit.

Nawaz in T20's in the 3 seasons: 27.23 AVG with a 7.53 economy and 13 wickets in 14 matches. He is far better than Imad on Pakistani pitches too.

I haven't looked at the stats, so I am not really sure if Nawaz is truly outperforming Imad.

Didn't Imad have a pretty good WC? Up until the semi final, wasn't he our most economical bowlers and bowling in those tough PP overs?

All I am saying is that players who have done far less than Imad have been retained in the team or have at least been provided an explanation either by the captain or the selectors on why they were dropped.
The silence around Imad's exclusion has just been very surprising. He's done enough to warrant an explanation at least.

[Savak]

I haven't looked at the stats, so I am not really sure if Nawaz is truly outperforming Imad.

Didn't Imad have a pretty good WC? Up until the semi final, wasn't he our most economical bowlers and bowling in those tough PP overs?

All I am saying is that players who have done far less than Imad have been retained in the team or have at least been provided an explanation either by the captain or the selectors on why they were dropped.
The silence around Imad's exclusion has just been very surprising. He's done enough to warrant an explanation at least.

In the SF, Imad got spanked around by Warner like a school kid who was bowling to proper elite batsmen for the first time.

[Snowflake]

In the SF, Imad got spanked around by Warner like a school kid who was bowling to proper elite batsmen for the first time.

Any person who has seen Pakistan cricket in the last 10 years would know that Imad is not effective against left handers. Warner has had the wood over him and it shocking to see Babar give Imad the first over when he had Hafeez at his disposal; who has troubled Warner MULTIPLE times!

Imad got hit by Warner, but it could've easily been avoided with even moderately smart captaincy.

FYI - he still ended up as your second most economical bowler in that game.

[Snowflake]

In the SF, Imad got spanked around by Warner like a school kid who was bowling to proper elite batsmen for the first time.

Also, didn't know that the Indian top order isn't elite. Didn't he bowl up front to Kohli/Sharma and ended up conceding only 10 runs from his 2 overs?

[Saj]

Also, didn't know that the Indian top order isn't elite. Didn't he bowl up front to Kohli/Sharma and ended up conceding only 10 runs from his 2 overs?

He has the capability to bowl at any time in the innings which is a huge bonus.

Add to that he's no worse than some of the so-called batters in the current Pakistan T20I squad.

[Savak]

Also, didn't know that the Indian top order isn't elite. Didn't he bowl up front to Kohli/Sharma and ended up conceding only 10 runs from his 2 overs?

Sharma got dismissed by Shaheen in the first over. Kohli is no longer in his prime.

[Savak]

Imads himself is to blame for his batting falling off. Can't remember any meaningful contribution from him with the bat since the 2016 English series and that Afghanistan game in the WC where he got 2-3 lives.

His knee problem has badly hampered his running bw the wickets and his footwork as a batsman.

[MenInG]

Not that great in the 2nd game in the CPL 0/37 in 4 overs.

Let's see if he contributes with the bat.

[MenInG]

Not that great in the 2nd game in the CPL 0/37 in 4 overs.

Let's see if he contributes with the bat.

Out for 18(13) - should have seen the side through to a win.

Shamsi dials it in again!!! Shamsi gets the big wicket of Imad Wasim and celebrates in style as the @fun88eng magic moment of the match.#CPL22 #JTvGAW #CricketPlayedLouder #Fun88 #BiggestPartyInSport pic.twitter.com/6brv82sSat

— CPL T20 (@CPL) September 3, 2022

[Fenrir]

Imad is abuts and pieces player now.He can give you a couple of overs but his batting has to much better if he wants to play for Pakistan.

[Mirpur express]

Typical drama queen like Junaid Khan & M Aamir .. we have Nawaz now so bye bye Imad beta

[Savak]

Imad can only dream of playing the knock Nawaz did against India. A match winning performance against india is an automatic route to superstardom in Pakistan.

[shamaan]

Imad has to try and a force a place in the line up at 5.

[Sherazkhalid]

I never liked his batting, he is literally a two shots per innings player, at least with afridi there was a chance of 30 run innings, this guy nada. I don't remember a single game where we needed quick runs and he came and did something. He would hit one four or six and them loft the ball for a catch.

[saeedhk]

Absolute injustice to not include Imad in the team! He is the only Pakistani player who is confident and doesn't get bogged down when playing against top oppositions. He is a must for our ODIs and T20s.

[Ashmal]

Absolute injustice to not include Imad in the team! He is the only Pakistani player who is confident and doesn't get bogged down when playing against top oppositions. He is a must for our ODIs and T20s.

Apart from that inngs against Afg in 2019 WC....he hasn't done much with bat.

Nawaz is much better than him at this point.

[Usman]

Imad is a thousand times better than Kushdil. If we really don’t have a better batting replacement for Kushdil, I would take Imad over Kushdil 10 times out of 10.

[Ashmal]

Imad is a thousand times better than Kushdil. If we really don’t have a better batting replacement for Kushdil, I would take Imad over Kushdil 10 times out of 10.

If Khushdil is to be replaced then it should be the likes of Haider Ali rather than Imad who's not a power hitter anyway

[Rana]

There are clear groupings in Pakistan

Imad belongs to a different mindset than the one currently in charge of PCT. It’s not your face that they don’t like, it’s your idea.

Imad was always right about how KK didn’t have space for a wicket keeper batsman who couldn’t hit sixes in the middle/lower order.

[Savak]

Yes, your face is not liked. Get lost

[Savak]

Imad is a thousand times better than Kushdil. If we really don’t have a better batting replacement for Kushdil, I would take Imad over Kushdil 10 times out of 10.

Khusdil has won games for Pakistan against Australia and West Indies with the bat in ODIs something Imad can only dream off.

[Ami]

defo

[The cricket enthusiast]

Imad is must in t20i his pp overs can control RR Pak bowler's currently unable to control the run flow in pp overs they do comeback well at the end.

[Raja Ishtiaq]

Imad is the epitome of a bits and pieces cricketer.

Who remembers his Ronaldo celebration? Absolute cringe

[Prince of Pakistan]

Even as an only batsman he is ten timers better than the likes of Khushdil, Asif.

[Raja Ishtiaq]

Even as an only batsman he is ten timers better than the likes of Khushdil, Asif.

What????

[Maher96]

Imad is a excellent bowler and lower order batsmen.

I don’t know what some posters are talking about. Kushdil was a golden arm for MS. His performances aren’t bad.

We could easily replace one of Iftikhar, Kushdil or Asif, play Nawaz at 4 and Imad also.

Amir also should replace Hassan immediately. Malik is a good shout in this team also. He is fit and performing.

[Prince of Pakistan]

What????

Haha that went wrong on my mobile phone. Sorry for that.

But yea that's the state of our cricket. The supposed to be batsmen in T20: Khushdil, Asif perform once in a while. Imad as a batsman is still better.

[Saj]

Imad Wasim so far at the Caribbean Premier League

Bowling:
Overs 16
Runs conceded 92
Wickets 6 (joint 3rd highest)
Average 15.33
Economy rate 5.75

Batting:
Innings 3
Runs 59
Strike-rate 122.91

[pakistan766]

Imad brings experience. Can't really say that about Khushdil or Asif Ali

[Savak]

Imad brings experience. Can't really say that about Khushdil or Asif Ali

Lol Imad is not going to do much in a 10-12 runs per over situation.

[Raja Ishtiaq]

Lol Imad is not going to do much in a 10-12 runs per over situation.

I don't know which innings have people seen Imad play. They think he is a proper all-rounder

[Rana]

It’s not your face Imad

It’s the idea you represent

[topspin]

I would take Imad over Khushdil and Ifti as a batsman alone. His left arm spin would have been useful as well.

He’s more than good enough for this Pakistan team.

[Saj]

I guess the argument is that they don't need 3 spinners in the squad in Australia as they have Shadab and Nawaz?

But then Usman Qadir is currently in Pakistan's T20I squad ahead of Imad.

[MenInG]

Imad will need to do more than just CPL performances.

[MenInG]

Imad Wasim 1/19 in 2.3 overs in Jamaica Tallawahs vs St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, 17th Match (Tallawahs lost)

[MenInG]

Commendable from Imad at the CPL

[Marooned]

There's no way in hell Qadir or Khushdil offer more than him.

[MenInG]

Outstanding performance by Imad Wasim so far as he takes 3/14 in 3 overs (2 maidens) for Jamaica Tallawahs against Barbados Royals

[m.shah]

He is better batsman then Khushdil.

[MenInG]

Outstanding performance by Imad Wasim so far as he takes 3/14 in 3 overs (2 maidens) for Jamaica Tallawahs against Barbados Royals

Wasim working wonders! Today’s @fun88eng magic moment is Imad Wasim’s 3rd wicket in what was a stunning spell.#CPL22 #BRvJT #CricketPlayedLouder #Fun88 #BiggestPartyInSport pic.twitter.com/oakhFNqk5M

— CPL T20 (@CPL) September 15, 2022

[KingOfPakBreakfast]

Look at where he’s bowling. He bowls in the power play primarily, where Pakistan now want to use their three quicks. For the longest time, Pakistan had to play Imad in the power play instead of throwing the ball to one of their quicks. It was fine when the only options we had was Aamir and a young Hasan Ali, but now you don’t need Imad in the power play.

Thus, asking other posters, has he bowled an entire spell outside the power play in the last few years (happy to be corrected).

Imad also has the ability to hit straight, but the reason he hasn’t replaced Qadir is because Pakistan want a wicket taking spinner outside the power play. He could be better than Qadir, but he doesn’t have that mystery element to him.

If it was a 20 man squad than Imad would be on plane. But in a 15 man squad, you have to be very judicious with your selections.

[MenInG]

Excellent figures once again in the Caribbean Premier League for Imad Wasim who was not picked by the Pakistan selectors today:

3-2-14-3 (13 dot balls)#Cricket #CPL22 pic.twitter.com/hhlsK1oqyH

— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) September 15, 2022