Imad Wasim ruled out of Pakistan's opening T20I match due to injury

In a major blow to Pakistan, all-rounder Imad Wasim has been ruled out for the opening match of the ongoing T20I World Cup 2024 due to injury.

Green Shirts white-ball skipper Babar Azam confirmed his unavailability in the match against the US on Thursday (June 6).

Sources said that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) medical teams advised Imad to rest, as he had experienced discomfort in the right rib cage during net practice before the fourth T20I against England last month. 

“Imad is suffering from a side strain, which means he would not be able to play in the opening match,” said Babar while responding to journalists in the US. 

However, the skipper expressed hope for Wasim’s participation in upcoming matches, saying, “he will be available for the rest of the matches.”

Pakistan will play its opening match with the host team at Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium in Dallas.

The US team has already begun its journey of victory after beating Canada in its first match of the mega event.

Pakistan 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:

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

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

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

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