Imad Wasim Set To Miss T20 World Cup, Saim Ayub To Open With Rizwan

IND vs PAK: Pakistan's all-rounder Imad Wasim is likely to miss the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 due to a side strain injury. This development could significantly impact Pakistan's campaign in the tournament.

Imad Wasim, who returned from retirement to join Pakistan's T20 World Cup squad, has extensive experience playing in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). His familiarity with the Caribbean conditions was expected to be an asset for the team.

According to a report by BBN Sports, Pakistan is making efforts to prepare Imad Wasim for the crucial match against India at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on Sunday. The team is considering administering injections and painkillers to make him fit for the game against India.

The report further mentioned that there is an '80 percent' chance that Imad Wasim will be sent back home after the match against India. Mehran Mumtaz has been kept on standby after passing a fitness test at NCA in Lahore. Mumtaz was considered as captain Babar Azam and Gary Kirsten preferred having a left-arm spinner in the squad.

A BBN Sports journalist has also reported that Pakistan might send Saim Ayub to open with Mohammad Rizwan. If this happens, Babar Azam would bat at number three, potentially leading to one of the three pacers being dropped. Azam Khan's position is also under scrutiny due to his recent poor form.

The report indicated that following criticisms of the Nassau County (New York) pitch, preparations are underway for a high-scoring pitch for the India vs Pakistan match.

Pakistan lost their T20 World Cup 2024 opener against the USA, putting them under significant pressure. A defeat against India would severely impact their chances of advancing to the Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup 2024.