The T20 World Cup is 2 months to go. All the teams are preparing for the upcoming global T20 tournament. The USA and the West Indies are arranging the tournament. Teams are planning to portray the absolute best. Before that, Pakistan cricket received two good news. Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir made them available for the T20 World Cup. those are the big boosts for Pakistan before stepping into the big tournament.
Imad Wasim Confirms His Availability:
In a surprising turn last November, Wasim stunned fans by retiring from international cricket. His last T20I appearance for Pakistan dates back to April 2023. Speculations arose about a reported fallout between Wasim and former captain Babar Azam, potentially influencing his decision.
However, with Shaheen Afridi now leading the T20I squad, replacing Babar, the dynamics seem to have shifted for Wasim. Imad recently hinted at a possible return, disclosing Shaheen’s outreach to gauge his interest in playing in the T20 World Cup. Subsequently, Wasim has officially ended his retirement, marking a significant comeback to the cricketing scene.
On his social media handle, Wasim wrote, “ I am happy to announce that pursuant to meeting PCB officials, I have reconsidered my retirement and am delighted to declare my availability for Pakistan cricket in T20i format leading up to ICC T20i World Cup 2024. I would like to thank the PCB for reposing trust in me and I would give my very best to bring laurels to my country. Pakistan comes first!”
Mohammad Amir Confirmed Availability:
Former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir has expressed his readiness to end his international retirement ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 set to be held in the West Indies and USA. Amir’s decision comes after retiring from Test cricket in 2019, followed by stepping away from all forms of international cricket a year later. The catalyst for his initial retirement was attributed to feeling mentally tormented and facing criticism over his involvement in the spot-fixing scandal.
Despite being offered a return to the Pakistan national setup by former team director Mohammad Hafeez last year, Amir declined the opportunity. However, with the prospect of participating in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, Amir appears poised to reverse his decision and make a comeback to international cricket, marking a potential return to represent Pakistan on the global stage.
On his social media handle, he announced, “I still dream to play for Pakistan! life brings us to the points where at times we have to reconsider our decisions, There has been few positive discussions between myself and the PCB where they respectfully made me feel that I was needed and can still play for Pakistan after discussing with family and we’ll wishers I declare that I am available to be considered for upcoming t20WC,I want do this for my country as it comes before my personal decisions. Donning the green jersey and serving my country has always been, and will continue to be, my greatest aspirations.”
Big Strength for Pakistan:
Mohammad Wasim played his first Twenty20 International match for Pakistan against Zimbabwe in Lahore on May 24, 2015. Later, he was picked for the Pakistan squad for the 2016 ICC World Twenty20. In 2016, he made history by becoming the first Pakistani spinner to take a five-wicket haul in T20Is. This achievement came against the Windies, where he recorded figures of 5/14. He was also named in Pakistan’s squad for the 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in September 2021. His comeback will be a big boost for the team.
On the other hand, Mohammad Aamir is also coming back. Mohammad Amir made his T20I debut (cap 32) on June 7, 2009, against England during the 2009 ICC World Twenty20. In his debut over, he dismissed Ravi Bopara with only his second ball, supported by a fine catch from Shoaib Malik, and conceded just one run. Amir’s ODI debut followed against Sri Lanka, where he took 3 wickets with an economy rate of 4.50 and scored 23 runs. Post his successful 2009 T20 World Cup, he earned a spot in Pakistan’s test squad for the series in Sri Lanka, making an impactful start by claiming six wickets, including the key dismissals of Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene.
The T20 World World Cup is set to commence on June 1. Pakistan will start its journey with the match against the USA on June 6. On June 9, the cricket world will witness the biggest cricket rivalry. In that match, Pakistan will face India. Fans are wating to watch the match.
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