“Downfall started after 2019” — Imad Wasim blames wrong white-ball direction for Pakistan’s struggles

Former Pakistan all-rounder Imad Wasim has delivered a blunt assessment of Pakistan’s white-ball decline, claiming the team’s problems began immediately after 2019 due to poor planning, inconsistent selections, and a lack of understanding of modern limited-overs cricket.

Speaking candidly, Imad said the seeds of the current crisis were sown when the team management moved away from a clear white-ball philosophy.

“The downfall of Pakistan white-ball cricket started after 2019 — remember this,” Imad stated firmly. “When you brought in coaches and selectors who had no knowledge of white-ball cricket, the after-effects were bound to come. And those after-effects are still going on.”

Criticism of Batting Approach

Imad criticized Pakistan’s conservative batting template, arguing that the team built an approach around players who consumed deliveries without accelerating the scoring rate.

“When you indulge in teams that do 20, 25, 30, 40 or 50 runs and just stay there, what do you expect?” he questioned. “If you play 14 overs and don’t even score 110 runs, then your power-hitters will go and swing at the first ball and get out. This is not how power-hitters are made. This is not how teams are built.”

He specifically questioned why players known for big hitting never fully developed into reliable match-winners.

“Why didn’t Asif Ali become an Iftikhar? Why didn’t Khushdil become an Iftikhar?” he asked. “There is a very simple answer. The environment and template did not support them.”

According to Imad, the middle-order hitters were often left with too much to do in too little time because of slow starts at the top.

“Cricket Is Not Played Like This”

Imad revealed that he had raised concerns internally during his time with the national side.

“My fight with the Pakistan team and management was that cricket is not played like this,” he said. “I used to tell them from that time that this approach will cost us.”

To underline his point, Imad cited the transformation of England’s white-ball team under captain Eoin Morgan as an example of clear vision and long-term planning.

The Eoin Morgan Blueprint

Imad shared a detailed anecdote from his county stint, explaining how Morgan laid out a four-year roadmap to win the World Cup.

“I gave the example of Eoin Morgan,” Imad said. “When I was playing county cricket, our director of cricket was also the chief selector. Morgan came to him and clearly said what kind of players he wanted. He said, ‘I want dynamic top-order players. I don’t care if they are wicketkeepers or all-rounders. I want them dynamic.’”

According to Imad, Morgan was crystal clear about the squad profile — from aggressive openers to specific bowling roles in the middle overs.

“He told them everything — I want Joe Root, I want a tall fast bowler for middle overs like Liam Plunkett, I want a swing bowler like Chris Woakes. Adil Rashid and Moeen Ali were part of the plan. He even spoke about opening with Jonny Bairstow. He described the entire XI.”

Imad emphasized that Morgan’s clarity was not just about names, but about continuity.

“He said, ‘I will win you the World Cup in four years. Every player will play 80 or 90 matches in those four years.’ And that’s exactly what happened. The same squad played together, built experience, and delivered.”

England went on to win the 2019 ODI World Cup under Morgan’s captaincy, a triumph Imad believes was rooted in vision and consistency rather than short-term changes.

“Team Is Made Like This”

Imad concluded by contrasting England’s structured planning with Pakistan’s frequent changes in combinations and roles.

“I am saying this on record — go and check it,” he said. “That is how a team is made. You give players clarity, roles, backing, and matches together. That’s how you build a champion side.”

His remarks add to the growing debate around Pakistan cricket’s white-ball identity, long-term planning, and the need for a defined approach as the team looks to rebuild in the coming years.