Pakistan cricket continues to make headlines, often for reasons ranging from inconsistent performances to changes in coaching staff and player selection controversies. Adding to the drama, star all-rounder Imad Wasim has announced his retirement from international cricket, citing prolonged exclusion from the national team as the main reason.
The 35-year-old star all-rounder, who last represented Pakistan during the 2024 T20 World Cup, has been absent from the squad since. His omission from the ongoing T20 series against South Africa appears to have solidified his decision. Frustrated with the lack of opportunities, Imad has opted to step away from international cricket.
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This is not the first time Imad has announced his retirement. He initially retired from international cricket on November 24, 2023, but made a brief comeback for the 2024 T20 World Cup alongside Mohammad Amir.
Despite being brought back into the fold, his performances in the tournament failed to meet expectations, leading to his exclusion from subsequent series. This time, his retirement seems final, with the all-rounder now set to focus on T20 and T10 franchise leagues around the world.
Imad Wasim made his debut for Pakistan in 2015 but never played a Test match. Known for his contributions in limited-overs cricket, he was instrumental in Pakistan's 2017 Champions Trophy victory. Over his career, he featured in 55 ODIs, scoring 986 runs and taking 44 wickets, and played 75 T20Is, amassing 554 runs and claiming 73 wickets.
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Pakistan and South Africa are locked in a thrilling three-match T20I series. In the opening match, South Africa edged out Pakistan with an 11-run victory in a nail-biting contest. As the two teams gear up for the second match today, the pressure is on Pakistan to deliver a must-win performance and keep their hopes alive, avoiding an early series defeat.