Pakistan’s T20 World Cup journey has been dealt a major blow even before its start as Green Shirts all-rounder Imad Wasim will be ruled out of the T20 World Cup opener against the USA on Thursday, June 6.
Pakistan cricket team captain Babar Azam confirmed that “Imad Wasim is suffering from a side strain, due to which he will not be able to play our opening match.”
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) medical team has advised Imad to rest. He suffered pain in his right ribs while batting in the nets before the fourth T20I against England late last month, and he was unable to play the match.
Babar Azam expressed hope that Imad would be able to feature in the remaining matches of the tournament; Babar Azam added, “Though Imad will not be able to play the first match, we hope he will be available for the remaining matches.”
Imad is expected to be ready for selection for the match against India in New York on June 9.
Pakistan Squad for T20 World Cup:
Babar Azam (captain), Mohammad Rizwan, Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Usman Khan.
Pakistan Match Schedule:
The first match was on June 6, versus the USA at Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium in Dallas.
The second match was on June 9, versus India, at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York.
Third Match: June 11 – vs Canada, Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York.
Fourth Match: June 16 – vs. Ireland, Central Broward Park and Broward County Stadium, Lauderhill, Florida.