Imad Wasim Takes A U Turn Within A Week Of Announcing His Retirement

Pakistan allrounder Imad Wasim has said that his mental condition was one of the main reasons behind his decision to retire from international cricket. Earlier this week, the spin-bowling allrounder brought down the curtains on his international career at the age of 34.

He had completely fallen down the pecking order in Pakistan’s ODI and T20I teams. Imad Wasim last represented Pakistan in April this year in a T20I against New Zealand in Rawalpindi. Reports also suggested that not all was well between him and Babar Azam who recently stepped down as Pakistan captain in all three formats.

There were some reports that suggested that Imad Wasim might get a shock call-up from the ODI team for the World Cup after the struggle of Pakistan’s spinners in the Asia Cup. However, the selectors decided against recalling the allrounder and he eventually decided to give up on international cricket.

Imad Wasim open to U-turn on retirement:

In a recent interview, Imad Wasim revealed that he was not in an ideal mental state and it was one of the prime reasons behind his shock and sudden decision to retire. When asked whether he could reverse his decision, the 34-year-old hinted that he could reconsider his retirement decision in the future.

“It was my own decision (to retire). Mentally, I wasn’t in the right state of mind where I should have been. If I were in that mental state, it’s obvious I would never have done such a thing. So, it’s a matter of mindset, and understanding. It’s more about the mental aspect than anything else,” said Imad Wasim.

“This is life, and anything is possible in it. Nothing is impossible. However, I hadn’t decided for a U-turn. You never know what life might bring next,” he added.

Imad Wasim confirms he took the decision to retire from international cricket for his mental peace and there's an option he could take his retirement back in future ? #AbuDhabiT10 pic.twitter.com/jnawAvUeZi

— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) December 1, 2023

Part of Pakistan’s 2006 U19 World Cup-winning team, Imad Wasim made his debut for the senior team in 2015. He was a key member of the Pakistan team that won the Champions Trophy in 2017. He has played 55 ODIs and picked up 44 wickets in addition to scoring 986. In 66 T20Is, he picked up 65 wickets and scored 486 runs.