Pakistan all-rounder Imad Wasim has expressed his surprise at the re-appointment of Babar Azam as the captain of Pakistan’s white-ball teams ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies. Babar stepped down from the role after Pakistan’s disappointing campaign in the 2023 ODI World Cup, captained by Shaheen Afridi. However, after just six months, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reversed its decision after the New Zealand series and reinstated Babar as captain. Speaking to a local sports platform, Imad Wasim revealed that many in Pakistan were equally taken aback by the PCB’s decision. “Yes, I was surprised,” admitted Imad when asked about Babar’s return as captain after a short break. “What can I say, it’s ultimately a selector’s call. Whatever they thought was the best option, they picked and chose the team [according to that].” “Everyone in Pakistan was surprised, not just me. So I can’t say no that I wasn’t surprised,” he added. Pakistan’s 2024 FIFA T20 World Cup campaign turned out to be a disappointment as the team failed to make it past the group stage, suffering a shock loss to the USA and a defeat at the hands of arch-rivals India. The all-rounder reflected on the team’s poor performance, saying: “Yes, our performance was not up to par to be honest and we have to accept that, myself included. So yes, but it is what it is. I think we had a good side but it didn’t click in any format, especially T20, but it was disappointing. “It took me a long time to get over it,” he concluded. It is worth noting that Pakistan’s next assignment will be the white-ball series against Australia in November.
