Pakistan’s key all-rounder set to miss T20 World Cup opener against USA

Pakistan has faced a significant setback as all-rounder Imad Wasim will be absent from the first match of the T20 World Cup against the United States on Thursday.

"Imad is suffering from a side strain [injury], which means he won't be able to play in our opening match,” Babar confirmed while interacting with media a day before the match.

The medical team of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has advised Imad to rest, who was experiencing discomfort in his right rib cage while batting in the nets before the fourth T20I against England late last month, causing him to miss that match as well.

"Although Imad won't play the first game, we hope that he will be available for the rest of the matches," Babar added.

Read more: A sea of green at Edgbaston

Fans are optimistic that Imad will be back in action for the high-stakes match against India on June 9 in New York.

SQUAD: Babar Azam (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Usman Khan

Pakistan’s schedule of matches

6 June – vs USA, Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium, Dallas

9 June – vs India, Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York

11 June – vs Canada, Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York

16 June – vs Ireland, Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium, Lauderhill, Florida