Big boost for Pakistan, star all-rounder fit to play T20 World Cup clash against India, confirms coach Gary Kirsten

Pakistan's head coach, Gary Kirsten, provided a positive update on star all-rounder Imad Wasim ahead of their T20 World Cup clash against India on June 9. After recovering from an injury sustained during the T20I series against England last month, Wasim has been declared fit and ready to participate in the much-anticipated T20 World Cup clash against India in New York.

"Imad Wasim will be available for the match against India,” Kirsten said at the pre-match press conference.

Imad Wasim to feature in India vs Pakistan clash

After missing the final match of the T20I series against England as precautionary measure with a potential rib injury, Imad Wasim went on miss Pakistan's T20 World Cup 2024 opener against USA. Pakistan lost that match by five runs in the Super Over

ALSO READ: Rohit Sharma explains why Yashasvi Jaiswal is not playing in T20 World Cup 2024, reveals he made up his mind during IPL 2024

ALSO READ: 'Pakistan bro aisi performance hogi to tumhi batado...': Zomato pokes fun at Babar Azam's brigade ahead of IND vs PAK T20 World Cup match

Now, Pakistan have received a massive boost with the return of all-rounder Imad Wasim. His absence created challenges in balancing the team's composition. In their recent match against the USA, Pakistan opted for Azam Khan, who was out of form, alongside Shadab Khan as their sole specialist spinner. This decision raised concerns about the team's overall spin attack. Shadab Khan came under particular scrutiny from captain Babar Azam after their loss, with the skipper highlighting the struggles of the spinners' including part-timer Iftikhar Ahmed. With Imad Wasim's return to fitness, he is likely to replace Azam Khan in the playing XI, offering Pakistan a more balanced and potentially more potent bowling attack.

ALSO READ: WATCH - Babar Azam becomes center of joke after giving wrong answer to question asked in English

ALSO READ: 'He didn't have a great outing in first game but...': Rohit Sharma doesn't want to rely on Virat Kohli to win game against Pakistan

While Imad Wasim's current discomfort in his right rib cage isn't a recurring issue, he has battled various injuries throughout his career. A chronic knee problem has limited his participation in longer formats. In fact, this wasn't the first time injuries impacted his international career.  He received additional time for a fitness test due to a knee issue before the 2019 World Cup, and even briefly retired from the international scene in 2023.

However, Imad's dedication to the T20 World Cup is evident. He opted against a central contract upon his return earlier this year, prioritizing participation in this specific tournament.

MORE ON SPORTS TAK:

Rohit Sharma gives massive injury update ahead of India vs Pakistan's T20 World Cup match, says 'nothing can get bigger than...'

'...that can change complexion of the game': Rohit Sharma's big statement ahead of India vs Pakistan's big showdown in T20 World Cup

'He didn't have a great outing in first game but...': Rohit Sharma doesn't want to rely on Virat Kohli to win game against Pakistan

Navjot Singh Sidhu not in favour of Virat Kohli's opening move, says 'Ideally, he should've opened with Rohit Sharma'

'How do I report a murder in Guyana?': New Zealand's humiliating loss against Afghanistan leaves former cricketers stunned