Pakistan's T20 World Cup journey begins in Dallas, where they will take on co-host USA on June 6
Pakistan all-rounder Imad Wasim has highlighted his team-first mindset as Pakistan gears up for the T20 World Cup 2024 scheduled to take place in the USA and West Indies next month.
In a recent interview with a local news channel, Wasim expressed that he has no personal targets for the tournament, focusing solely on contributing to Pakistan's success.
“If you talk about bowling, then I’m preparing with the new as well as the old ball because we have many bowlers who excel with the new ball so I may be needed in middle-overs so I can’t and won’t say that I will only bowl with the new ball because I returned to this team to do whatever I’m asked,” Imad said.
Regarding his batting position, the left-hand batter has asserted his flexibility, willing to bat anywhere except for the opening slots.
“About batting, except opening and top-three, play me at whatever position I will be comfortable. The most important thing is that whatever I perform, should benefit the team as I’ve no individual target for the World Cup. Whether it’s a big or small performance, it should lead Pakistan to victory,” he said.
Reflecting on the upcoming England series and recent matches against New Zealand, Wasim highlighted the team's learning curve and emphasized the importance of every match leading up to the T20 World Cup.
He noted that consistent performances from the core group of players would clarify roles and enhance team cohesion, essential for a successful campaign in the tournament.
“Yes [the performance against England] will matter. Every match is important, we played New Zealand and drew the series when we should have won it. But we learned from that series and we have been given a plan,” he said.
“You will see from the England series that the same 12-13 players playing the matches. And when that team will play together, the roles of different players will clarify and each player will know his role so leading into the T20 World Cup, we will be in a positive frame of mind knowing this is my job and I have to do this,” he concluded.
It is worth noting that Pakistan's journey begins in Dallas, where they will take on co-host USA on June 6, followed by matches against India on June 9 and Canada on June 12 in New York. Their final league match against Ireland is slated for June 16 in Florida.