Former Pakistani all-rounder Imad Wasim opened up for the first time after taking retirement from international cricket at the age of 34 and also ending his long affiliation with Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Karachi Kings.
Imad last represented Pakistan in a T20I series against New Zealand in 2023 and his sudden retirement came as a surprise to many as the left-handed all-rounder was in great shape physically and has been performing well in T20 leagues all over the world.
However, seven days after announcing his retirement from international cricket, Imad finally opened up on his decision saying that he wasn’t forced by anyone but his mental health wasn’t in the right state.
“It was my own decision. Mentally, I was not in the right state of mind. Yes, if I was in that place (mentally right), I wouldn’t have made that decision,” Imad said.
When asked if he would be considering returning to international cricket in future, Imad refused to give a direct reply and said that in life, everything is possible.
“This is life, anything is possible here. I didn’t take the decision to take a U-Turn but you never know what happens next in life. I have taken retirement and it is what it is,” he added.
The all-rounder made his international debut in May 2015 against Zimbabwe and went on to represent Pakistan in 55 ODIs and 66 T20Is. He took 109 wickets and scored 1,472 runs in his international career.
Imad had been a key member of the Pakistan team over the years and was part of the 2017 Champions Trophy-winning squad. He also played in the 2016 T20 World Cup, 2019 World Cup, and 2021 T20 World Cup.
It must be noted Imad recently decided to skip the ongoing National T20 in Karachi after being named in the Islamabad squad.
The cricketer is now currently representing Deccan Gladiators in Abu Dhabi T10 League 8.
Earlier on November 29, Imad became part of one of the biggest trades in the history of the PSL as he joined Islamabad United while Hasan Ali joined the 2020 PSL winners.
- Imad Wasim
