Imad Wasim, Saim Ayub Poised To Strengthen Pakistan Squad For T20 Clash With India

IND vs PAK: Imad Wasim is likely to replace Shadab Khan in the Pakistan playing eleven for their T20 World Cup 2024 match against India at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on Sunday, June 9.

Imad Wasim did not feature in the side's first match against USA. Shadab Khan played a key role for Pakistan in the match even though they lost in the Super Over. He scored 400 off 25 balls as the likes of Mohammad Rizwan, Usman Khan and Fakhar Zaman failed to deliver at the top.

Image Courtesy: ICC

A report by BBN Sports has suggested that Imad Wasim, who is battling a side strain injury, is being prepared for the high-pressure match against India. Imad could also take help of painkillers and injections to feature in the match. However, his participation in the T20 World Cup 2024 after the match against India is very unlikely.

Further, the report suggested that out-of-form wicketkeeper-batter Azam Khan would be replaced by Saim Ayub. Azam Khan was dismissed for a first-ball duck against USA on Thursday.

Saim Ayub can open with Mohammad Rizwan or come down to bat in the lower middle-order. In case, Saim Ayub opens, captain Babar Azam would play at three.

As per the ground reports, Shadab Khan did not bowl or bat much in the net sessions ahead of the big-ticket India vs Pakistan match. He was seen lying on the stretcher with the physios catering him. Azam Khan also did not bat much, hinting that he would warm the bench against India on Sunday.

Pakistan also look set to play with four pacers in Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah. The New York pitch which has been under a lot of scrutiny has supported the pacers big time. Pakistan are looking to avenge their loss against India in the ODI World Cup last year, and the T20 World Cup in 2022.