Pakistan allrounderImad Wasim will be available for T20I selection once again after he withdrew his retirement from the format on Saturday.
In a statement on social media, Imad said he was delighted to declare his “availability for Pakistan cricket in T20I format leading up to ICC T20 World Cup 2024”. He told ESPNcricinfo his availability does not extend beyond the T20 World Cup that begins on June 1 and that he does not expect to sign a central contract.
Imad last played for Pakistan over a year ago but speculation over his return had been mounting after the allrounder enjoyed a successful 2024 PSL season, culminating in a five-wicket haul in the final as his side Islamabad United won the title. Imad told ESPNcricinfo the PCB had asked him to reconsider his retirement earlier this week and said he did not have any conditions to play for Pakistan.
Imad’s all-round ability and his record in the Caribbean Premier League makes him an attractive option for Pakistan in a year where the bulk of the T20 World Cup will be held in the West Indies. His CPL record over the years is stellar – 61 wickets at an average of 18.88 and economy rate of 6.20.
There is no word yet from the PCB on whether Imad’s availability results in a change in his contractual status. While he is currently not believed to be interested in a central contract, signing one would tie him to the same NOC policy as other players, under which no player can participate in more than two T20 overseas leagues a year. As things stand, though, Imad’s availability until a T20 World Cup where he looks like a selection certainty is an arrangement of convenience for all parties concerned.
Imad has played 66 T20Is for Pakistan so far, scoring 486 runs at a strike rate of 131.70 and taking 65 wickets with an economy of 6.26.
Mohammad Amir has made himself available for selection to Pakistan for the upcoming T20 World Cup that starts on June 1 in the USA and the West Indies. Amir’s last match for Pakistan was a T20I against England in 2020, and he retired from international cricket in December that year, saying he felt mentally tortured.
“I still dream to play for Pakistan!” Amir, 31, said in a post on social media. “Life brings us to the points where at times we have to reconsider our decisions. There have been a few positive discussions between myself and the PCB where they respectfully made me feel that I was needed and can still play for Pakistan, and after discussing with family and well wishers I declare that I am available to be considered for upcoming T20 WC. I want do this for my country as it comes before my personal decisions. Donning the green jersey and serving my country has always been, and will continue to be, my greatest aspiration.”
Amir most recently played the 2024 PSL, where he finished with 10 wickets in nine games with an economy of 8.41 for Quetta Gladiators. Amir’s announcement comes a day after allrounderImad Wasim reversed his retirement and also made himself available for selection for the T20 World Cup.
While Amir had an unremarkable PSL campaign, his performances in the CPL in recent seasons stand him in promising stead for a World Cup that will largely be held in the West Indies. He has taken 43 wickets at an average of 14.39 and an economy rate of just 6.50. With Shaheen not at full tilt since his injury return, Naseem only recently back from a lengthy layoff and Haris Rauf currently injured, Pakistan’s pace bowling stocks are depleted, potentially giving Amir the opportunity to elbow his way in.
The decision also has ramifications for his county Derbyshire, whom he will not be linking up with when the season starts on April 5.New Zealand visit Pakistan for 5 T20Is from April 18-27, and Amir’s decision to make himself available for international cricket means he will be in Pakistan during this period. In a post on social media, he thanked the county, as well as head coach Mickey Arthur, for “being understanding”.
