Former chief selector accuses Imad Wasim of masking knee injury

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Former Pakistan chief selector Mohammad Wasim has accused all-rounder Imad Wasim of concealing a chronic knee injury, alleging that the player is misleading the team management and fans by claiming to suffer from a rib problem instead. 

Imad, who recently reversed his decision to retire from international cricket, has been selected for the T20 World Cup currently being held in the USA and the West Indies.

Speaking on a local news channel, Mohammad Wasim alleged that Imad is hiding the true nature of his injury. 

“A lot of revelations will come out. They won't stay hidden. If you're claiming a rib injury, and it's actually a knee injury... It's a long-standing injury that you can see while running between the wickets, while bowling, and while fielding," Wasim said

Wasim further criticized the team’s decision to bring back experienced players who he believes are prioritizing their financial interests over the team's success. 

“When you'll compromise on things, be it fitness or quality, just for the sake of experience...those who prefer the financial side of the game over their country, you keep bringing them back. What kind of an environment will the team have?" Wasim questioned.

Reflecting on the current team dynamics, Wasim noted a decline in unity and performance compared to two years ago.

“Everyone's talking how the team had unity two years back – there was unity, and there were results. Some characters weren't there, you've brought back in those characters. The team's result is in front of you, and the team environment too," he further added.

It is worth noting that the all-rounder missed Pakistan’s final T20I against England for "precautionary reasons" due to a suspected rib injury, which also caused him to miss the team’s opening World Cup match against the USA. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) issued a statement describing his injury as "discomfort in his right rib cage."

Imad was cleared fit to play just a day before Pakistan’s crucial clash against India, where he bowled three overs, conceding only 17 runs. However, his batting performance was underwhelming as he managed only 15 runs off 23 balls, a factor that shifted the momentum back towards India, who won the match by six runs.