Imad wants to inspire Pakistan to World T20

All-rounder confident of team’s chances; hopes to play pivotal role

DUBAI: As the euphoria of the inaugural edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) somewhat subsided with its conclusion on Tuesday, players from the national squad turned their attention to the upcoming major T20I tournaments — Asia Cup and the World T20.

One such individual, all-rounder Imad Wasim, who is part of the national ODI and T20I squads, is hoping to see his career take off by helping Pakistan win both the events.

Imad Wasim, the man with the golden touch

“I understand the importance of both tournaments and if I can help Pakistan win, I would be the happiest man in the world,” said Imad while talking to The Express Tribune at the Conrad Hotel in Dubai. “I hope to play a leading role as that would be a career-defining moment for me.”

While winning the Asia Cup is important for the Islamabad-based player, his eyes, along with almost a billion more, are focused on the crunch encounter between Pakistan and India on March 19 in the World T20.  Despite Pakistan’s poor record against their arch-rivals in World Cups —T20I and ODI both — the 27-year-old remains confident that Pakistan can spring a surprise.

“Records are meant to be broken and I know we haven’t beaten them [India] ever [in a world event], but that doesn’t mean it will never happen,” he said. “Who knows the game in Dharamsala might be the occasion [where we beat them] and I would love to play a role in ensuring that we do.”

Imad also lauded the team management’s efforts in adapting to the demands of modern cricket and heaped praise on coach Waqar Younis for trying to instil a more aggressive brand of cricket.

“We are trying hard to change our brand of cricket; [Waqar] is very keen on improving our style of play and trying to cater to the demands of modern cricket,” he revealed. “We need to understand that it is not going to happen overnight but there is a real sense of belief in the squad that we will eventually achieve this goal.”



While Imad has earned a name for himself in the shorter formats of the sport, he really wants to play in the longest format as well, and with Pakistan set to play a gruelling four-match Test series against England in the latter half of the English summer, he remains optimistic of his chances.

“Of course I want to play Test cricket for Pakistan but that decision lies with the selectors,” he said. “I have done well in first-class cricket and I am confident that I can contribute at the highest level also but for now though my focus is on the cricket I am getting to play.”

Published in The Express Tribune, February 25^th,  2016.

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