‘UAE conditions will suit us’ – Imad Wasim confident of Pakistan's chances in T20 World Cup

Pakistan all-rounder Imad Wasim feels Pakistan is one of the contenders to win the ICC T20 World Cup. The tournament is scheduled to get underway on October 17 in Oman and UAE. First, the qualifying round will be played where eight teams will compete to join the main teams in Super 12s. The top two teams from each group in the qualifying round will make it to the next round.

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Pakistan are pitted alongside India, New Zealand, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and two undeclared teams from the first round in Group 2. Only two teams from each group can make it to the semi-finals, with India and New Zealand two big contenders. Afghanistan can also not be counted out given the conditions.

Imad Wasim said that UAE has served as the home venue for Pakistan for over a decade and the players are well aware of the condition that will be on offer. “UAE’s conditions will suit as it is like a home ground for us, having played there for a long period of time. This is why we are also considered as one of the favourites for the tournament. We have skillful players who can take us deep in the championship so we will try to give our 100 per cent on the field.

Pakistan will also play a few limited-overs games against New Zealand and England before the T20 World Cup which will serve as a great preparation for the showpiece event. Imad said wins against two big teams will be a massive confidence booster.

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“We have two or three good series before that and focused on winning that so that we head into the World Cup with rhythm and confidence,” he said while speaking to Cricket Pakistan.

Meanwhile, Imad Wasim is eyeing a comeback to the ODIs. Imad hasn’t featured in an ODI game since November 2020. The southpaw revealed he is not aware of the reason for his omission from the ODI squad and said he will keep working hard in domestic cricket to get into the sight of selectors.

“I want to play ODI cricket and I told everyone about it too. I have only played two or three ODIs since the 2019 World Cup and I don’t know why I was dropped from the side. But that’s the decision of the selectors, coaches and captain and I have to accept it. Although, I will continue playing domestic cricket and perform to the best of my ability,” Imad added.