[EXCLUSIVE] "I was surprised when Babar Azam was reappointed as captain": Imad Wasim

[FearlessRoar]

On March 23, 2023, Pakistan all-rounder Imad Wasim reversed his decision to retire from international cricket, driven by one goal: to win the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 for his country. However, there was no fairytale ending, as Pakistan was knocked out in the group stage.

In an exclusive interview with PakPassion, Imad Wasim speaks with Saj Sadiq to reflect on the disappointing World Cup campaign. He also discussed:

Babar Azam 2.0: Weighs in on Babar Azam's reappointment as T20I captain.

Home series loss to Bangladesh: Analyzes Pakistan's shocking home series loss to Bangladesh.

Pakistan Cricket in Decline: Discusses the current state of Pakistan cricket and potential solutions.

Champions Cup Insights: He shares his thoughts on the Champions Cup and its potential impact on Pakistan cricket.

Comeback Regrets: He opens up on whether he regrets reversing his retirement decision.

Future Goals: Reveals his plans and aspirations for the next chapter of his career.

Watch full interview here:

 

[gazza619]

Imad talking about Babar is getting very boring now. I know its not his fault as everyone asks him about Babar but he really needs to learn to dodge these questions.

Pakistan cricket is not just about Babar.

 

[Asad T]

Imad talking about Babar is getting very boring now. I know its not his fault as everyone asks him about Babar but he really needs to learn to dodge these questions.

Pakistan cricket is not just about Babar.

True, but i do like that he didn't shy away from the question and admire his honestly.

 

[zaidihusain]

I was also surprised after seeing Imad's horrible performance against India in recent T20 WC.

In no other team you will find active players openly giving such statements about their fellow players. That's why I always believe PCB must introduce no nonsense policy for all unretired/active players. Anyone breaching that policy must be banned forever

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Certainly Imad's amazement on Babar's reappointment is going to stir a big fuss ahead. Many will now blame him for half hearted performances in recent T20 WC owing to this statement.

 

[Aami]

Dramay baaz ...you dont see players of other countries saying foul about their colleagues; imagine Kohli saying something stupid against Rohit.

But, when it comes to Pakistan cricket, anything goes ...no self respect, restraint or camaraderie.

 

[FastBowlingAllrounder]

Good to see Imad back to doing the one thing he has consistently done well for last 3-4 years.

 

[BouncerGuy]

I was also surprised when Imad took his retirement back to play only for the T20 World Cup and then he left the domestic cup to play in a foreign league.

 

[zaidihusain]

I was also surprised when Imad took his retirement back to play only for the T20 World Cup and then he left the domestic cup to play in a foreign league.

He always had a dubious character, he is full of fake aggression and fake attitude.

 

[Asad T]

loll poor guy made (0) from 10 balls in the CPL today. Makes the knock against India look good

 

[BChaudhry02]

Trust me, I'm no Babar fan, but MAN, this guy Imad.

Smoking in the dressing room, minimal effort on the field, dubious character overall.

 

[BouncerGuy]

loll poor guy made (0) from 10 balls in the CPL today. Makes the knock against India look good

That India knock was a legendary knock but this one is on another planet. That is why he is the GOAT,,,THE GOAT

 

[josenwily]

On March 23, 2023, Pakistan all-rounder Imad Wasim reversed his decision to retire from international cricket, driven by one goal: to win the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 for his country. However, there was no fairytale ending, as Pakistan was knocked out in the group stage.

In an exclusive interview with PakPassion, Imad Wasim speaks with Saj Sadiq to reflect on the disappointing World Cup campaign. He also discussed:

Babar Azam 2.0: Weighs in on Babar Azam's reappointment as T20I captain.

Home series loss to Bangladesh: Analyzes Pakistan's shocking home series loss to Bangladesh.

Pakistan Cricket in Decline: Discusses the current state of Pakistan cricket and potential solutions.

Champions Cup Insights: He shares his thoughts on the Champions Cup and its potential impact on Pakistan cricket.

Comeback Regrets: He opens up on whether he regrets reversing his retirement decision.

Future Goals: Reveals his plans and aspirations for the next chapter of his career.

Watch full interview here:

Pakistan losing a home series to Bangladesh is indeed shocking—what does Imad think went wrong? Could it be down to poor preparation or leadership decisions?

 

[Saj]

The players or at least most of them didn't want Babar back as skipper.

Only in Pakistan would you replace a skipper after one series with someone who has absolutely no clue about the art of captaincy and leadership.

And then we wonder why we are so pathetic as a cricket nation these days.

 

[Deewana Mastana]

Pakistan's mentality is only about being in power and having it for as long as possible regardless of how bad or poor you are or whatever the results.

 

[Jazx]

But we were not surprised to see Imad reversing his retirement decision.

 

[BouncerGuy]

But we were not surprised to see Imad reversing his retirement decision.

And it will not be surprising if he takes retirement 1 more time.

 

[pratiktc]

Lets not blame Imad. He is a valuable T20 allrounder in second tier leagues. It makes sense that in endgame of his career he prioritizes these to maximize his financial gain from sport.

He has done what he could for Pakistan and his capability to play at international level was long since over. It was the lack of resources in Pak spin that led PCB to request Imad to to take back retirement and credit to him, he answered the country's call. The blame for his performance should go to the system that couldn't develop a depth chart and player pool to replace Nawaz in the last 4-5 yrs.

 

[Jazx]

Lets not blame Imad. He is a valuable T20 allrounder in second tier leagues. It makes sense that in endgame of his career he prioritizes these to maximize his financial gain from sport.

He has done what he could for Pakistan and his capability to play at international level was long since over. It was the lack of resources in Pak spin that led PCB to request Imad to to take back retirement and credit to him, he answered the country's call. The blame for his performance should go to the system that couldn't develop a depth chart and player pool to replace Nawaz in the last 4-5 yrs.

Just a valuable t20 allrounder, though I would say bits and pieces in batting and bowling both and that too when they don't have other better options. The problem starts when these players considers themselves to be superstars and want to be in the driving seat in the team. Same goes to Babar as well. Imad won't even be the bench strength in other international teams.

 

[pratiktc]

I am sincerely sorry and apologize.

I asked people to forgive Imad Wasim's bad day in WC 2024 against India considering it a bad one off.

Then I have seen his 0(10) in CPL and am humbled. This guy has no place near ant international team. I have seen people in my gully level cricket with more intent.

This man should be removed far away from intl cricket.

 

[BouncerGuy]

I am sincerely sorry and apologize.

I asked people to forgive Imad Wasim's bad day in WC 2024 against India considering it a bad one off.

Then I have seen his 0(10) in CPL and am humbled. This guy has no place near ant international team. I have seen people in my gully level cricket with more intent.

This man should be removed far away from intl cricket.

People hyped him too much just because he batted well in the last 2 games of PSL and then people started calling him a great finisher and PCB had to call him back. But reality is different and we all can see what type of finisher he was in reality.

Name-calling other players is very easy but to perform yourself is a different thing.

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Is Imad surprised now after Babar's unexpected resignation from the same post?

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Is Imad surprised now after Babar's unexpected resignation from the same post?

now he will surprise babar taking his retirement back one more time lol

 

[Major]

Wasnt he the guy who considered himself as the best all rounder and than single handedly lost us the game against India?

 

[BouncerGuy]

Wasnt he the guy who considered himself as the best all rounder and than single handedly lost us the game against India?

Yes, I think so.

He should be surprised now that Babar resigned on his own without any apparent pressure. Imad should be available now to play for Pakistan in both formats (ODI + t20s).

 

[ads101]

I am sincerely sorry and apologize.

I asked people to forgive Imad Wasim's bad day in WC 2024 against India considering it a bad one off.

Then I have seen his 0(10) in CPL and am humbled. This guy has no place near ant international team. I have seen people in my gully level cricket with more intent.

This man should be removed far away from intl cricket.

When he was recalled this was the year he was starting to fall off. Just a natural process. You can see that he knows he’s near the end of his career and I don’t think he’s trying his hardest anymore. Imad isn’t one of those guys who wants to be super fit, so you aren’t going to get much out of him late 30s.

Guys like Imad and Amir just came back for a final hurrah. Their prime was over. While I think we wasted both of these players for years when they were in their prime, particularly Imad, I’m not sure bringing them back like this did anything for us long term. Especially given we did so badly in the tournament, it’s almost like what was the point, as long term they aren’t options.

People were hating on Haris Rauf for example. While I get the criticism. I also know that once Amir is done again, we’ll just go back to Haris Rauf. So was there necessarily a point of destabilising the trio of Shaheen, Naseem and Rauf which will end up being for our future matches even if Amir is better for a few one-off matches. It’s hard to say.

However since their debut/come back after fixing in Amir’s case, these two should have been constantly in the LOI sides until about now/a year ago. They were good enough. Amir also should have not played tests ages ago in order to be able to focus on LOI. Whether or not that was down to his body not handling it, no real desire to play, or being underwhelming in tests (likely to be all three). It’s just too late now, and I think when we talk about them now being in the side we reminisce about the players they used to be not what they are now. I think it’s the same way people talk about Sarfraz and Sharjeel too, they’re just not those players anymore.

 

[The Bald Eagle]

now he will surprise babar taking his retirement back one more time lol

Lol...And Imad will go back to TV again then

 

[Mamoon]

loll poor guy made (0) from 10 balls in the CPL today. Makes the knock against India look good

@Rana How beautiful was this? This is the rubbish who criticizes Babar and Rizwan for their SR.

 

[Rana]

@Rana How beautiful was this? This is the rubbish who criticizes Babar and Rizwan for their SR.

As good as 40 off 40 against USA