Former Pakistan chief selector Mohammad Wasim has stirred the pot by accusing all-rounder Imad Wasim of hiding a chronic knee injury. According to Mohammad Wasim, Imad is misleading the team management and fans by claiming to have a rib problem instead.
Imad, who had initially retired from international cricket in November 2023, made a dramatic comeback in March after a stellar Pakistan Super League (PSL) season. Since his return, he has participated in the home series against New Zealand and the away series against Ireland and England.
However, his journey hasn’t been smooth. The all-rounder missed Pakistan’s final T20I against England due to a “suspected rib injury,” which also sidelined him for Pakistan’s first World Cup match against the USA. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) described his injury as “discomfort in his right rib cage.”
Imad was cleared to play just before the high-stakes India-Pakistan clash. He bowled three economical overs, conceding only 17 runs, but his slow batting (15 off 23 balls) was criticised as it shifted the momentum towards India, who eventually won by six runs.
The Allegations
Mohammad Wasim, who served as Pakistan’s chief selector from 2020 to December 2022, claims that Imad is actually dealing with a knee injury but claims it as a rib injury.
“A lot of revelations will come out. They won’t stay hidden. If you’re claiming a rib injury, and it’s actually a knee injury… It’s a long-standing issue you can see while running, bowling, and fielding,” he stated on a local news channel.
Wasim criticized the team’s decision to recall experienced players who he believes prioritize their financial gains over the team’s success. He criticised Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir for preferring league cricket over the national team.
“When you compromise on fitness or quality just for the sake of experience… Those who prefer the financial side of the game over their country, you keep bringing them back. What kind of an environment will the team have?” he questioned.
Reflecting on the current team dynamics, Wasim noted a decline in unity and performance compared to two years ago.
“Everyone’s talking about how the team had unity two years back – there was unity, and there were results. Some characters weren’t there, you’ve brought back those characters. The team’s result is in front of you, and the team environment too,” he added.
The Road Ahead
Despite the controversies, Pakistan still has a chance to qualify for the Super 8s. They need to win their remaining matches against Canada and Ireland and hope for favourable outcomes in other matches.
Will Pakistan overcome the drama and rise to the occasion? The next two games against Canada and Ireland are crucial for their World Cup campaign.
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