Imad Wasim Set To Miss T20 World Cup 2024 Opener Against USA, Babar Azam Confirms

Pakistan has encountered a significant setback as veteran all-rounder Imad Wasim is set to miss the T20 World Cup 2024 opener against the USA.

All-rounder Imad Wasim will not participate in Pakistan's match against the USA on Thursday due to a persistent side strain, confirmed captain Babar Azam. Babar mentioned that Wasim is still recovering and remains under observation by the medical staff.

"The medical staff is monitoring him and he will be available for the remaining matches in the World Cup," Babar told the media.

Wasim, known for his T20 expertise, came out of retirement two months ago with the World Cup in mind. The selectors felt his bowling style would suit the slow pitches in the Americas. Alongside Wasim, left-arm pacer Mohammed Amir was also selected and used in the series against New Zealand, Ireland, and England before the tournament.

Pitch Conditions and Team Readiness

"The pitches appear good for pace bowlers, and we have a strong pace attack, so the pitches seem favorable for us," Babar stated. He also emphasized that the team had no issues with the facilities at the venues in the USA. "It is okay. We have no complaints and have seen all this before," he said.

Babar mentioned the lack of warm-up games could have been a problem, but the team had played some cricket before arriving, so it wasn't a significant issue.

Babar Azam's Milestone and Focus

Recently, Babar became the second batter after Virat Kohli to surpass the 4000-run mark in T20Is, with Kohli leading at 4037 runs and Babar just behind the Indian stalwart with 4023 runs. But the Pakistan captain has asserted that his primary focus is on winning the World Cup rather than achieving any personal milestone.

"We are here to try to win the World Cup. I am not here thinking about personal records. What matters is that the team does well and we succeed in winning the World Cup. We have learnt from our past mistakes," he added.

Pakistan's World Cup History

Pakistan finished as runners-up in the previous edition of the World Cup. They are one-time World Cup winners, having won the crown back in 2009.