Imad Wasim opens up about captaincy and World Cup aspirations

There were speculations in the media that all-rounder, Imad Wasim, was a strong contender to replace Shadab Khan as vice-captain in the home series against New Zealand, which happened earlier this year in April. Along with him, Shan Masood and Shaheen Shah Afridi were also being considered to serve as Babar Azam's deputy in the limited-overs format.

In an exclusive interview with Cricket Pakistan, Imad stated that he never cared less about the whole captaincy debate when the news reached him. The left-arm spinner firmly believes that captaincy or selection is not in his control and that his focus is solely on his performance.

ALSO READ: Haris to lead as Pakistan Shaheens’ squad announced for Emerging Asia Cup

"Only controllable things should be controlled, and things that are out of your control, out of your hands; you shouldn't be thinking about it. Neither selection is in my control, nor is captaincy, and so are the performances, so I don't really think about it. I go day by day and enjoy my life. Moreover, I take pride in playing [for Pakistan]. Irrespective of whether it is league cricket or national cricket, I play with passion. Passion is important, but pride and dignity are even more essential. So I always keep this in my mind," Imad said.

Upon being questioned whether he is bothered about his inclusion in the ODI World Cup squad, he said that the authority lies with the management and he will fully accept whatever decision they will come up with.

"If truth be told, neither I fret over this [World Cup] selection too much nor am I thinking about it right now. It is straightforward, whatever they decide, they decide. Nonetheless, I will be available at that point in time. There's nothing better than serving Pakistan. So if anything happens, more than welcome, but I honestly don't beat my head over selection because this is something that isn't in my control nor I can control it," he further added.

Ever since his T20I comeback, Imad has struck a purple patch as he recently took eight important wickets in five matches at an average of 10.37 and an economy of 5.93 against New Zealand.