Pakistani All-Rounder Imad Wasim Retires

Pakistan’s star all-rounder Imad Wasim announced his retirement from international cricket on Friday, marking the conclusion of a remarkable nine-year career. The 35-year-old, who played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s Champions Trophy triumph in 2017, shared his decision on social media, expressing gratitude to fans and the cricketing fraternity. Despite retiring from international cricket, Imad plans to continue entertaining his fans through domestic and franchise cricket. 

Career Highlights

• International Debut: Imad made his debut for Pakistan in May 2015 in a T20I against Zimbabwe in Lahore.
• Matches Played: Represented Pakistan in 130 international matches across ODIs and T20Is.
• T20Is: Scored 554 runs and claimed 73 wickets in 75 matches.
• Champions Trophy 2017: Played a vital role in Pakistan’s victorious campaign.
• Comeback in 2024: After retiring earlier, a stellar performance in the Pakistan Super League earned him a spot in the T20 World Cup squad.

Retirement Announcement

• Reason for Retirement: After much thought and reflection, Imad decided to step away from international cricket to focus on other aspects of his career.
• Official Statement: Imad expressed pride in representing Pakistan, calling it the “greatest honour of his life.” 
• He thanked fans for their unwavering support throughout his journey.

Future Plans

• Franchise Cricket: Imad will continue playing in domestic and franchise leagues, aiming to entertain fans in new ways.

Final International Performance

• Last Match: Imad’s final outing for Pakistan was during the 2024 T20 World Cup against Ireland in Lauderhill, USA.
• World Cup Campaign: Despite his return, Pakistan’s campaign ended disappointingly in the group stage.

Legacy and Contributions

• All-Rounder Impact: Known for his spin bowling and handy batting, Imad was a dependable player in white-ball cricket.
• Memorable Moments: From contributing to Pakistan’s Champions Trophy success to impressive performances in T20 leagues worldwide, Imad leaves behind a legacy of resilience and skill.