Imad Wasim Fit For High-Stakes India Vs Pakistan T20 World Cup Match

All-rounder Imad Wasim has been declared fit and available for the high-stakes India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2024 Group A clash at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on Sunday, June 9.

Imad, who was included in the Pakistan T20 World Cup 2024 squad following his return from retirement earlier this year, was initially expected to fly back home due to an injury, according to reports on Saturday, June 8.

The all-rounder missed Pakistan's Super Over loss to the USA on Thursday, June 6. He had also missed the final game against England in the lead-up series to the tournament for "precautionary reasons" due to a suspected rib injury.

While some reports suggested that Imad Wasim might be ruled out with Mehran Mumtaz likely to take his spot, Pakistan white-ball coach Gary Kirsten provided an important update on Imad's fitness.

The Pakistan head coach confirmed that Imad Wasim is fit to feature in the crucial match against India in the ongoing T20 World Cup.

"He will be available (for the match against India)," Kirsten said during the pre-match press conference when asked about Imad's injury and fitness. Therefore, Pakistan is likely to include the all-rounder in place of a pacer in the playing XI against India.

If fit, Imad Wasim will certainly be picked due to his ability to bowl tight overs and contribute with the bat if needed. This is something Pakistan lacked in their defeat to the USA.

Shadab Khan and Iftikhar Ahmed failed to deliver in the middle overs after the much-hyped pace bowling unit also underperformed in the powerplay, managing just one wicket and often erring in line.

If Pakistan decides to drop one of the pacers, it could be Mohammad Amir or Haris Rauf based on their performance against the USA. While Amir bowled several wides, Rauf failed to bowl according to his field.

However, they may be tempted to retain both pacers, especially on the challenging surface in New York, where quick bowlers have dominated so far.

The Pakistan team management might risk dropping a pure batter to fit Imad Wasim into the lineup. Therefore, Azam Khan, who is out of form, is likely to make way for Imad in the playing XI against India on Sunday, June 9.