In a surprising turn of events, Pakistan all-rounder Imad Wasim has officially retired from international cricket, marking the end of a career that spanned over a decade.
Imad, a versatile player known for his left-arm spin and lower-order batting, made the announcement through a heartfelt post on social media. The 34-year-old cricketer has represented Pakistan in 55 ODIs and 66 T20Is, leaving an indelible mark on the cricketing world.
From under-19 glory to international stardom
Having captained Pakistan to victory in the Under-19 World Cup in 2006, Imad emerged as a promising talent. Despite a delayed debut in 2015, owing to the hiatus of international cricket in Pakistan, he quickly became a pivotal figure in the team. His leadership skills were evident when he led Pakistan in the 2008 Under-19 World Cup.
“In recent days I have been doing a lot of thinking about my international career and I have come to the conclusion that now is the right time for me to announce my retirement from international cricket. I would like to thank the PCB for all their support over the years – it has truly been an honour to represent Pakistan,” wrote Imad on X (formerly Twitter).
Also READ: Imad Wasim suggests Babar Azam to gracefully step down from Pakistan’s skipper post after ODI World Cup 2023
Stats reflecting excellence
Imad’s statistics in both ODIs and T20Is underscore his impact on the field. In ODIs, he took 44 wickets and scored 986 runs, while in T20Is, he claimed 65 wickets and contributed 486 runs with the bat. Notably, his best bowling figures in both formats stand at an impressive 5 for 14.
“Each of my 121 appearances across the ODI and T20I formats was a dream come true. It’s an exciting time for Pakistan cricket going forwards with new coaches and leadership incoming. I wish all involved every success and I look forward to watching the team excel.”
“Thank you to the Pakistan fans for always supporting me with such passion. A final thank you to my family and friends who have been so important in helping me achieve at the highest level. I now look forward to focussing on the next stage of my playing career away from the international stage,” Imad wrote further.
— Imad Wasim (@simadwasim) November 24, 2023
Also READ: World Cup 2023 – Pakistan all-rounder Imad Wasim opens up on his controversial relationship with skipper Babar Azam
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