In a surprising turn of events, former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has called on spin-bowling all-rounder Imad Wasim to reverse his recent decision to retire from international cricket.
Imad, who bid farewell to his international career on Friday, November 24, is now being urged by Latif to reconsider, citing it as a significant loss for Pakistan cricket.
The plea from Latif comes on the heels of Pakistan's disappointing World Cup 2023 campaign, during which Imad Wasim was notably absent from the squad despite the team's struggle with a thin spin attack.
Taking to a social media platform, Latif made a heartfelt appeal to Imad, stating, "Imad Wasim should withdraw his retirement decision; Pakistan's team is losing its best spin bowler. Imad can contribute significantly to both bowling and batting. In the World Cup, the absence of the team's most effective player is not just a loss for Imad; it is a loss for Pakistan."
عماد وسیم کو ریٹائرمنٹ کا فیصلہ واپس لینا چائیے ، پاکستان ٹیم کا سب سے اچھا اسپن باولر عماد ہی ہے اور بیٹنگ میں بہت مدد مل سکتی ہے ۔ ورلڈ کپ میں اگر ٹیم کا سب سے کارآمد کھلاڑی نہیں ہو گا تو اس میں عماد کا نقصان نہیں اس میں پاکستان کا نقصان ہے ۔ محمد حفیظ کو چاہیے کے وہ عماد کو… pic.twitter.com/hmrIUPdAB0
— Rashid Latif | 🇵🇰 (@iRashidLatif68) November 25, 2023
Latif also revealed that Mohammad Hafeez, the newly-appointed director of Pakistan Cricket, is keen on having Imad back in the national team.
He urged Imad to consider separating from the central contract if he wishes to participate in leagues but to remain available for the Pakistan team.
Imad's retirement
Imad Wasim had announced his retirement through a post on a social media platform, expressing gratitude for the 121 matches he played for Pakistan and thanking the fans for their unwavering support.
In his retirement announcement, Imad reflected on his international career, stating, "Each of my 121 appearances across the ODI and T20I formats was a dream come true."
As discussions around Imad's retirement intensify, cricket enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the spin-bowling maestro's response to Rashid Latif's impassioned appeal and whether the prospect of representing Pakistan once again will prompt him to reconsider his decision.
