Babar Azam expressed optimism regarding Imad's participation in the rest of the tournament
Pakistan has faced a significant setback as their all-rounder Imad Wasim will be absent from the first match of the T20 World Cup against the United States of America (USA) on Thursday, June 6.
Captain Babar Azam confirmed Imad's unavailability, stating, "Imad Wasim is suffering from a side strain, which means he won't be able to play in our opening match."
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Medical Team has advised Imad to rest. He had experienced discomfort in his right rib cage while batting in the nets before the fourth T20I against England late last month, causing him to miss that match as well.
Babar Azam expressed optimism regarding Imad's participation in the rest of the tournament.
"Although Imad won't play the first game, we hope that he will be available for the rest of the matches," he added.
Imad is expected to be ready for selection for the match against India on June 9 in New York.
SQUAD: Babar Azam (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Usman Khan
Pakistan’s schedule of matches:
6 June – vs USA, Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium, Dallas
9 June – vs India, Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York
11 June – vs Canada, Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York
16 June – vs Ireland, Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium, Lauderhill, Florida