India vs Pakistan, T20 World Cup 2024: Imad Wasim Declared Fit, To Feature in High-Voltage Clash

All-rounder Imad Wasim has been declared fit and available for the high-voltage India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2024 Group A clash at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on Sunday (June 9).

Imad, who was picked in the Pakistan T20 World Cup 2024 squad following his retirement u-turn earlier this year, was set to fly back home due to failure to recover from an injury, according to reports on Saturday (June 8).

The all-rounder missed Pakistan's stunning Super Over loss to USA on Thursday (June 6). He had also missed the final game against England in the build up series to the show-piece tournament for "precautionary reasons" with a suspected rib injury.

While a few reports had surfaced stating that the all-rounder is set to be ruled out with Mehran Mumtaz likely to take his spot, Pakistan white-ball coach Gary Kirsten gave an important update on Imad Wasim fitness.

The Pakistan head coach confirmed that all-rounder Imad Wasim is fit to feature in the marquee clash against their bitter rival, India, in the ongoing T20 World Cup.

"He will be available (for the match against India)," Kirsten said in the pre-match press conference when quizzed about Imad's injury and fitness. So, Pakistan is likely to pick the all-rounder in place of a pacer in the playing 11 vs India.

Who will Imad Wasim replace in Pakistan 11 vs India?

If fit, Imad Wasim will definitely be picked in the side due to his ability to bowl some tight overs and also contribute with the bat if needed. That is something Pakistan lacked in their defeat to USA.

Shadab Khan and Iftikhar Ahmed failed to deliver in the middle overs after the much-hyped pace bowling unit also didn't do much in the powerplay, when they managed to take just one wicket, erring in line very often.

If Pakistan plan on dropping one of the pacers, it could be Mohammad Amir or Haris Rauf based on their performance against USA. While Amir bowled plenty of wides, Rauf failed to bowl to his field.

However, they may be tempted to retain both the pacers, especially on the challenging surface in New York, where the quicks have dominated the wickets column so far.

The Pakistan team management may risk dropping a pure batter to fit in Imad Wasim in the line up. So, the out of form Azam Khan is the player likely to make way for Imad in the Pakistan playing 11 vs India on Sunday (June 9).