The latest season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) is drawing to a close, as the final between Islamabad United and Multan Sultans will take place on Monday, March 18. However, attention will quickly shift from the tournament towards the T20 World Cup set to take place this summer.
Pakistan are set to play two T20I series, against New Zealand and England, prior to the T20 World Cup in June. But there is no doubt that performances in the PSL could go a long way towards helping some players gain a spot in the squad.
On Sunday, former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi suggested a surprising recall for the team management to consider.
Will Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir play for Pakistan at the 2024 T20 World Cup?
Afridi, who led Pakistan to T20 World Cup glory in 2009, said to A Sports,
[Mohammad] Amir can easily make his way into the lineup of the Pakistan team even today. He falls in the category of Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Afridi. There is still cricket left in Amir and he should play for Pakistan.
Shahid Afridi's prayers were answered, as Amir announced the decision to be available for selection for Pakistan on Sunday, March 24, with eyes on featuring in the 2024 T20 World Cup.
I still dream to play for Pakistan!
— Mohammad Amir (@iamamirofficial) March 24, 2024
life brings us to the points where at times we have to reconsider our decisions, There has been few positive discussions between myself and the PCB where they respectfully made me feel that I was needed and can still play for Pakistan after…
Amir announced his retirement from international cricket in 2020, citing poor treatment by the Pakistan team management. He had a solid PSL season with Quetta Gladiators, picking up 10 wickets in 8 matches.
His economy rate of 7.3 in the powerplay, and haul of 8 wickets in the death overs show that he still has the skills that put him on the map in the first place. Alongside Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi, this could be a formidable partnership.
Another potential recall to international cricket could be that of Imad Wasim. After helping Islamabad qualify for the PSL final, the all-rounder revealed that he would be open to playing for Pakistan if they were willing to pick him for the T20 World Cup, despite his international retirement in 2023.
Now, on Saturday, a day before Amir revealed his decision to reverse his retirement, Wasim also announced that he wants to play for Pakistan.
I am happy to announce that pursuant to meeting PCB officials, I have reconsidered my retirement and am delighted to declare my availability for Pakistan cricket in T20i format leading up to ICC T20i World Cup 2024.
— Imad Wasim (@simadwasim) March 23, 2024
I would like to thank the PCB for reposing trust in me and I…
Imad has made an impression with his defensive bowling in this season's PSL. He has taken just 7 wickets, but his economy rate of 6.7 is outstanding and he provides Pakistan with another new ball option. He has also scored 107 runs at a strike rate of 130, batting down the order.
