The Pakistani all-rounder Imad Wasim announced on Friday that he would be retiring from international cricket.
In the last few days, I have been thinking deeply about my international career and I have come to the conclusion that now is the right time for me to announce my retirement from international cricket,” the 34-year-old said on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
Asserting that it has been an honor to represent Pakistan, Wasim thanked the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for its support throughout the years. He said each of his 121 appearances in one-day internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 matches was a dream come true.
Pakistan cricket is entering an exciting period with new coaches and incoming leadership, Wasim said, adding he looks forward to seeing the team succeed. It is now time for me to focus on the next stage of my playing career away from the international stage,” he said.
PCB responded to Wasim’s post on X, thanking him for his “services to Pakistan cricket over the years”.
“Best wishes for your future endeavors,” the PCB said.
Pakistan cricket has gained a valuable asset in Imad Wasim. His performances, particularly in white-ball cricket, have been crucial to the team’s success. While we respect his decision to retire, we will miss his presence on the field.
“I wish Imad the very best in his future endeavors on behalf of the PCB and its management committee.”
In a separate statement, PCB Interim Management Committee Chairman Zaka Ashraf said Wasim had been a “valuable asset to Pakistan cricket”. Especially in white-ball cricket, his performances have been crucial to the team’s success. Our team will miss his presence on the field even though we respect his decision to retire,” Ashraf said.
I extend my sincere appreciation to Imad for his services to Pakistan Cricket and wish him all the best in his future endeavors on behalf of the PCB and its management committee.
Wasim made his international debut in May 2015 against Zimbabwe and has played 55 ODIs and 66 T20Is for Pakistan. In his international career, he took 109 wickets and scored 1,472 runs.
In the wake of Pakistan’s disastrous World Cup campaign, Wasim’s announcement coincides with a major overhaul of the country’s cricket. Babar Azam resigned as national team leader last week.
Afterward, Shan Masood was appointed Test captain, Shaheen Shah Afridi became T20 captain, Mickey Arthur was replaced as team director by Mohammad Hafeez, and Wahab Riaz assumed the role of chief selector.
