Former Pakistan cricketers have expressed their dismay regarding Imad Wasim's absence from the Pakistan team during the first T20I match against New Zealand on Thursday.

Imad, who made a return to international cricket, alongside Mohammad Amir, found himself excluded from the starting lineup on Thursday. Instead, Pakistan opted to debut hard-hitting batter Usman Khan, Irfan Khan, and mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed.

This choice has prompted criticism from notable figures such as Iqbal Qasim and Mohsin Khan, who argue that experienced all-rounder should have been part of the playing XI.

Iqbal Qasim, a former Test player, expressed his confusion, stating, “I fail to comprehend this decision; Imad should have been selected instead of Shadab Khan.”

Similarly, Mohsin Khan emphasized the importance of regular game time for Imad Wasim and Amir to overcome any rustiness resulting from their hiatus from international cricket. He remarked, “So much hue and cry over bringing back Imad and Amir and they must get maximum matches to overcome their rustiness in international cricket,” he said.