No Imad probably is.
T10, CPL, BBL etc.
He doesn't have to hope he's picked, he doesn't have to hope he gets a NOC.
I think it depends upon what objective each player sets for himself. And whether the objective changed over the years or not.
Misbah's objective was to play for Pakistan no matter what. And his determination led him to taking a risk where he let go a county contract of 3 years of confirm cricket for a Pakistan team position that could had ended anytime.
Few years ago, when Afridi and Hafeez were in the national team and no spin allrounder could had walk into the national side, at that time Imad's personal objective would had been to play for the national team. Because while he was playing for Islamabad region, he was not getting into the Pakistan side. But finally in 2015 he got in, and I was quite excited about this back than.
I get why he preferred or maybe his objective changed. Cricketers have a limited shelf life and they need to earn money till they have their fitness.
But, i still feel, maybe Imad should had waited 6 months atleast before taking this decision. Nawaz did not perform, Shadab did not perform. Maybe, Imad would had received a call up. World T20 is in 7 months and after 6 months the squad will be announced. Its a risk he could had gambled, because we all how bad Shadab and Nawaz are and a spot is completely open.
Shoaib Malik is taking that risk currently. He had a T10 contract and was in no mood to play the domestic T20. But after seeing the captain changes he has decided to take that risk. Its 6 months only, might aswell take a gamble.
In my opinion, Imad acted abit harsh with himself by not taking a 6 months gamble. Because, eventually he can earn the money he makes from leagues as there are even retired cricketers leagues and so many different leagues existing worldwide. He speaks well so him getting media gigs is not an issue also. But getting the opportunity or the CHANCE to represent Pakistan on the playing field is always a very rare occasion.
His retirement has made things easier for Nawaz. And if Shaheen considers Iftikhar as an allrounder also, Ifti and Nawaz might get a spin allrounder spot in the World T20 depending on their performance.