PAK vs NZ: Why Imad Wasim hasn't played in the T20I series? Shadab Khan reveals the secret

Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan has disclosed the real reason why all-rounder Imad Wasim, who came out of retirement to play the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, is away from the team currently.

Wasim along with Usman Khan and Mohammad Amir were called up by the PCB for the team's ongoing 5-match T20I series against New Zealand, followed by European tours of Ireland and England. While Amir and Usman have played in the 2nd and 3rd T20I in Rawalpindi, Wasim is yet to make an appearance. 

With 3 matches already being played against the Kiwis, Pakistan still hasn't included Imad Wasim in the playing XI for the first time in over a year.

The 5-match series is currently level at 1-1 as the hosts had won the 2nd match by 7-wickets before New Zealand similarly beat them at the Rawalpindi cricket stadium.

The 1st T20I which was slated for 18th April, was washed away due to excessive rain and both teams now have everything to play for in the final 2 matches at the Gaddafi stadium in Lahore. 

This home series holds a lot of significance for Pakistan as they are trying out all the probable players for the T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies.

The Green Army have reached the knockouts of the tournament in the last two editions but were unable to take that one step forward to claim their 2nd T20 WC title. In 2021, the Pakistanis lost to Australia in the semi-finals, and then in 2022, Babar Azam's side remained on the losing side in the finale against England. 

Shadab Khan says Imad Wasim was out due to rotation policy 

While speaking to press reporters in Lahore, Shadab Khan revealed that the rotation policy adopted by the team management is the reason why Imad Wasim has not played a game yet.

Shadab also discloses that every single player on the side knows exactly about the rotation policy in place and that Wasim could be given some game time in the final 2 T20 matches.

It was because of the policy that Mohammad Amir missed the 3rd T20I after playing the 2nd one. 

Usman Khan might also be given a break after making back-to-back appearances in those matches where he scored 5 and 7 respectively.

Amir might also return while Imad Wasim could also return to the Pakistani playing XI for the first time since 24th April 2023. 

"It was part of the rotation policy. Management had already talked to all the players. So according to the rotation policy, Imad Wasim might get a game now ." - Shadab Khan told media reporters. 

How important will Imad Wasim be for Pakistan?

Imad Wasim was welcomed back by the PCB last month, owing to his performances in the knockout stages of the 9th of Pakistan Super League.

In Islamabad United's run towards the PSL title, Wasim was adjudged as man of the match in United's qualifier matches against Quetta and Peshawar for bowling figures of 3/12 and batting performance of 59* respectively.

In the final too, Imad Wasim received the MOTM award for 19* and scalped terrific figures of 5/23.