Pakistan's all-rounder Imad Wasim has expressed strong confidence that fans will witness a transformed Pakistan team in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024.
In a press conference on Monday, Imad, spoke about the team's mindset and their preparation for the World Cup. He emphasized the team's determination to win.
“Look, if I’m being honest, if any team goes into the World Cup and say they don’t feel like [winning] it, then there is no point [of going] so. We are going to win the World Cup and that is what we feel and are thinking,” Imad said.
Imad also discussed the arrival of Pakistan's new white-ball coach, Gary Kirsten, who joined the team in Leeds and reflected on their first interaction with him.
“We had a chat [with Kirsten] in the morning today, he arrived yesterday. He looks to be a good coach but we will work with him and see how it goes. But his record around the world is amazing. He coached India and South Africa, and he has coached the IPL teams, so he’s very renowned and famous in terms of coaching so, hopefully, we will thrive under him," he further added.
Acknowledging Pakistan's recent T20I series defeats to New Zealand and Ireland, Imad viewed these setbacks as opportunities for growth and improvement.
“We lost to New Zealand and Ireland and couldn’t play good cricket, it is a fact. It's good that Pakistan faced a setback losing matches against Ireland and New Zealand rather than in the T20 World Cup. We used to get relaxed [before] but now we have decided to play every match with the same intensity," Imad explained.
Lastly, Imad highlighted the team's renewed focus and internal changes.
“We should be focused on ourselves and only ourselves. We are correcting our issues and doing it with great intensity. The way we are holding meetings and the coach, chairman and captain have communicated, we can see that there have been different changes and you’ll see those changes in the World Cup and in this series,” he concluded.
It is worth noting that the T20 World Cup 2024 is set to take place in the United States and West Indies from June 1. Pakistan has been drawn into Group A of the World Cup, where they will face off against arch-rivals India, along with Ireland, Canada, and the USA.