No problem between me, Babar Azam over Kings' captaincy: Imad Wasim

Pakistan’s all-rounder and captain of the Karachi Kings franchise in the upcoming Habib Bank Limited (HBL) Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2020 Imad Wasim, in an exclusive interview with Cricket Pakistan on Wednesday, claimed that there was no problem between him and the national team captain Babar Azam.

The 31-year-old claimed that both cricketers offered each other advice and shared a good relationship.

“There is nothing between me and Babar. He is Pakistan’s captain and I am Karachi’s captain. When I play for Pakistan, we give each other advice. When he will play for Karachi he will give me advice. I think you need to have good relations with everyone. We have never had the need to feel that he is the captain or I am. We all strive to win matches,” said Imad.

The all-rounder believed that even with the presence of the world’s number-one T20 batsman and fast-bowler Mohammad Amir, the players needed to perform on the day for good results.

“Our preparations are going great. We are practicing and playing games as well. We played a match today as well. So we are happy that the players have started performing,” he said. “Obviously Babar Azam is number-one in the world rankings while Mohammad Amir is a great bowler but it depends on the players performances on the day. Whoever performs on the day is the most vital. T20 is a format where you have to play aggressively and you have no other option.”

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Imad praised the legendary former pacer Wasim Akram, the president of the franchise, for his big impact on the team.

“He [Wasim Akram] has had a big impact on the team. The way he has served the game and the way he understands it, I think there aren’t any who get it better than him. We learn from him and we constantly seek their advice,” he said. “I have been with the new coaching staff for only a few days. They know all the players and the PSL itself. They have an attacking mindset which will give Karachi Kings the much-needed boost.”

The all-rounder expressed sadness over the Kings’ inability to make it to the final of the PSL in the past, but claimed that this new-look team could prove to be the difference.

“It was really unfortunate to not make it into the final the last time. It is a part and parcel of the game. This time it is a very different side,” he said. “We are very excited to play in front of our home crowds. Pakistan is our home but Karachi has a special place in our hearts. The way that the people of Karachi shower us with love, we are yet to repay them by winning the title or reaching the final. I don’t think most fans support their teams as much as our fans support us. We will try to put on a good show for them and will work hard to not let them down.”

Imad believed that all teams in the upcoming HBL PSL were stacked with talented players who could win matches for their teams.

“In the draft we discussed how all teams are very equal in terms of talent. They all have great batsmen and bowlers. It is very hard to name just one. I can honestly say that all teams in the tournament are very good,” he concluded.