The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is not considering retired all-rounder Imad Wasim for Pakistan’s upcoming training camp at the Army base in Kakul, set to commence on March 25, local media sources reveal.
According to reports, the national selection committee is close to announcing a preliminary squad of around 25 players, from which the final roster for the forthcoming home five-match T20I series against New Zealand in April will be selected.
Imad Wasim finds himself omitted from the list of potential players due to his ongoing retirement status. Until he formally rescinds his retirement, selectors cannot consider him for national team selection.
Despite Imad’s stellar performances in the recently concluded PSL 9, where he earned the Player of the match award in the final for his exceptional five-wicket haul and pivotal batting contributions, his absence from the training camp remains inevitable.
Meanwhile, batter Usman Khan, who recently relocated to the UAE and represented Multan Sultans in PSL 9 as an overseas player, is reportedly under consideration for the training camp invitation.
Usman’s stellar performances in the tournament, earning him the title of Batter of the Tournament with 430 runs in seven innings at a remarkable strike rate of 164.12, have captured the selectors’ attention.
However, the decision to participate in the camp ultimately rests with Usman himself, who has previously expressed his desire to represent the UAE.
With 14 months remaining to qualify for the UAE team, his inclusion in the Pakistan squad will depend on his engagement in the training camp.
Additionally, prospects such as Mehran Mumtaz and Abrar Ahmed are expected to join the camp, where players will undergo rigorous training.
The training camp is scheduled to conclude on April 8, just before the onset of Eid-ul-Fitr, providing players with ample time to prepare for the upcoming international fixtures.
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