USA vs PAK: Imad Wasim ruled out of T20 World Cup 2024 opener against United States of America due to side strain

Veteran Pakistan all-rounder Imad Wasim will miss the Babar Azam-led team's upcoming match against the United States of America (USA) in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. Imad Wasim is expected to be available for selection for their second match against arch-rivals India in the ongoing ICC tournament.

The Pakistan team will kick off their World Cup campaign against the USA team at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas on Thursday, June 6. The Men in Green will aim to begin their campaign with a victory against the USA. Pakistan reached the final in the last edition of the T20 World Cup but lost to England.

Imad Wasim Will Not Be Available For Selection - Pakistan Cricket Board

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) provided an update regarding Imad Wasim's availability ahead of their World Cup opener. The board stated that Imad won't be able to play in the upcoming match due to a side strain. He experienced discomfort in his right rib cage before the fourth T20I against England.

"Imad Wasim will not be available for selection for Thursday’s match as he has been advised rest by the PCB Medical Team. Ahead of the fourth T20I against England late last month, Imad had experienced discomfort in his right rib cage while batting in the nets and consequently missed the match. He is expected to be available for selection for the 9 June match against India in New York," the statement read.

Imad Wasim recently came out of his retirement from international cricket. The left-arm spinner was included in Pakistan's squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup. He is expected to play a crucial role in the team's success in the tournament, especially given his consistent performances in franchise cricket across the world.

The 35-year-old won the Player of the Match award in the last three knockout matches for Islamabad United during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024 season. The all-rounder represented Pakistan in 72 T20I matches. He has scored 535 runs at a strike rate of 134.76 and taken 70 wickets at an economy rate of 6.3.

Imad Wasim Is Experiencing A Side Strain - Babar Azam

Pakistan captain Babar Azam confirmed that Imad Wasim won't be available for the match against the USA. However, Babar said they are hopeful about Wasim's recovery and expect him to join the team for the remaining fixtures of the World Cup.

Also read: IND vs IRE: Wasim Jaffer namedrops Yuvraj Singh in his bold prediction of Hardik Pandya for T20 World Cup 2024