IND vs PAK: Gary Kirsten delivers real injury update on Imad Wasim amid reports of all-rounder missing T20 WC 2024

Pakistan head coach Gary Kirsten has delivered a positive update on Imad Wasim's fitness ahead of the huge clash against India in the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024.

The arch-rivals will be facing each other in the 19th game of the tournament on Sunday (June 9) at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York. Imad Wasim was a big doubt for the game due to a rib injury. The problem first surfaced last month when Pakistan were playing the T20I series against England.

He had missed the last game of the four-match series due to the same injury. At that time, the Pakistan Cricket Board had stated that Imad Wasim missed the game for precautionary measures. As a result, it was expected that he would be fit in time for Pakistan's first game of the T20 World Cup. However, the 35-year-old missed Pakistan's tournament opener against the USA earlier this week.

He was doubtful for the game against India as well. However, Gary Kirsten has confirmed that Imad Wasim has recovered fully and is available for selection for the upcoming game against India. The former India head coach confirmed the news while addressing the media in the pre-match press conference.

📢 Head Coach Gary Kirsten says Imad Wasim is fit for tomorrow's match against India.#INDvPAK | #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/6P0NOsRcqj

— Grassroots Cricket (@grassrootscric) June 8, 2024

Gary Kirsten is hopeful of winning against India:

Speaking further, Gary Kirsten said that he is hopeful of a win against India. While Pakistan have bounced back a number of times in the World Cup in the past, Kirsten said that he is not bothered about the past record and is just focusing on the upcoming game,

"We hope so, we can win. Pakistan have not started well and bounced back. I don't want to look on history. Key will be to get well-prepared for the match. We have to move forward. Give it our best shot," said Kirsten.

Pakistan started their campaign with a shock loss against the USA earlier this week. The Babar Azam-led side hardly looked convincing in the game and were pretty much outplayed by the co-hosts. They will now be looking to bounce back and beat India to get their campaign on track. A loss against India will be a huge blow to their chances of progressing ahead of the group stage.