Pakistan all-rounder Imad Wasim spoke about his relationship with captain Babar Azam ahead of the series against Ireland. He stated that there is nothing bitter between them and that they are only focused on winning the T20 World Cup 2024 under the leadership of Babar Azam.
Pakistan is preparing well for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. They recently drew the T20I series against New Zealand and will now face Ireland and England before turning their attention to the tournament scheduled to take place in the United States of America and the Caribbean in 2024 in June this year.
Ahead of the World Cup, there were some changes in the Pakistan national cricket team. Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir returned to retirement and were selected for the World Cup. Furthermore, Babar Azam was once again appointed as the captain of the team, taking over the baton from Shaheen Afridi.
Many people did not like the fact that Imad Wasim played under the leadership of Babar Azam. This is because there have been several reports suggesting that there isn’t much camaraderie between the two. They fought with each other during the PSL, which led to Babar leaving Karachi Kings.
However, Imad Wasim refused to accept all reports. He explained that Babar Azam and Mohammad Amir were very good friends and there was nothing between them. He expressed his desire to help the team win the 2024 T20 World Cup. He also spoke about this to the media and stated:
“There is nothing bitter between us. Me, Babar and Amir are very good friends. We fully support our captain and want to win the T20 WorldCup 2024 under the leadership of Babar Azam.”
Imad Wasim also spoke about re-appointment of Babar Azam as Pakistan captain. He believes that everything happens for a good reason and who knows that Pakistan could win the 2024 T20 World Cup under Babar. He added:
“You never know, Babar Azam will be named captain of Pakistan again to win the T20 WorldCup 2024.”
Pakistan squad for the T20Is in Ireland and England
Pakistan will face Ireland in the three-match T20I series and England in the four-match series. They have named an 18-man squad for both series and will later reduce it to a 15-man squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Haris Rauf has returned to the team after a long injury while Hasan Ali has also been called up to the team. Mohammad Rizwan and Azam Khan are also back after injuries. Babar Azam will lead the team which also includes the likes of Imad Wasim, Mohammad Amir, Shaheen Afridi and others.
Here is the Pakistan squad for the T20Is in Ireland and England:
Babar Azam (Captain), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha , Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Usman Khan