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Another startling aspect among a long list of others is the sudden disappearance of performing players, within the arena of Pakistan cricket. Aizaz Cheema, Yasir Hameed, and Junaid Khan are a few of the prominent characters that vividly strike the minds of common cricket fanatics in this regard. Imad Wasim is the latest addition among the names being silently rugged off under the carpet.
The slow left-arm bowler and late middle-order batter is renowned for his crucial impetus with both bat and ball in hand. And as far as the form and performances are concerned, Imad has successfully managed to chip in there with fairly decent execution.
Imad Wasim’s performance prior to getting dropped:
Imad Wasim lastly represented Pakistan within the Icc t20 world Cup 2021 where he remained the most economical bowler for the men in green. A certain value addition factor indeed especially considering the fact that he mostly operated within the power play restrictions along with the likes of Shaheen Shah.
With the limited opportunities in the batting domain, one could hardly proclaim that his overall performance was extraordinary but was it ordinary enough to sideline him from the national side? A probing question on which the selection committee kept a mum during the squad announcement for the Australian series as no explanations were offered on the players being dropped.
Why is he out of consideration?
The chief selector Muhammad Wasim recently broke the silence and addressed the question of, why is Imad out of favor these days.
“Imad’s performance in the recent past wasn’t up to the mark. He also has fitness issues which is why he is suffering. Currently, we have high fitness standards in the team. And, it is visible in the team’s performance”
It has to be taken into account that this isn’t the first instance of Imad Wasim lacking behind in terms of fitness. He was dropped from the Asia cup 2018 squad, based on the same fitness grounds under the authority of Mickey Arthur as the head coach of the national side.
Also Read: What is the issue with Pakistan’s middle-order?
Another noticeable consideration in all this scenario is, M Nawaz is successfully managing to strengthen his ground through consistent and impactful performances. Always regarded as a fine bowler but it’s his batting off late which is solidifying his spot as the all-rounder option. Match-winning cameos against South Africa and Bangladesh are sweeping away the doubts which were once associated with his batting.
Khushdil Shah is another name who has emerged as an all-rounder option on the back of his superb performances within the PSL 2022 where he earned the Allrounder of the tournament award, piling 153 runs at a phenomenal strike rate of 182, meanwhile managing 16 wickets at an economy of 6.9. He has been a permanent feature on the national side since.
Although Imad Wasim expressed his displeasure on the lack of communication from the chief selector and captain Babar Azam after getting dropped in the Australian series. But the frequent resurgence of these fitness-related concerns requires more than that.
Imad Wasim undoubtedly has been a useful prospect but circumstances are demanding far more than this and that’s where dedication, character, and hard work do need to step in.
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