Imad Wasim questions senior players’ impact, calls set batter’s dismissal ‘criminal’

Pakistan all-rounder Imad Wasim has stirred debate with blunt remarks about senior players’ performances, questioning their ability to deliver in decisive moments and demanding greater accountability within the team setup.

Speaking during a discussion on recent performances, Imad said he believes he has “more experience than Shaheen and Babar,” referring to fellow internationals Shaheen Shah Afridi and Babar Azam. He expressed frustration over what he described as repeated failures to convert solid starts into match-winning contributions.

Imad was particularly critical of a dismissal after a batter had faced 24 deliveries, calling it “criminal” in the context of modern limited-overs cricket. “When you have played 24 balls, you are set. You understand the wicket, you know the match situation and the required runs. At that stage, you cannot throw it away with a reckless shot,” he said.

The all-rounder emphasized that his comments were not driven by personal motives but by long-standing concerns about Pakistan’s performances in high-pressure games. “We don’t have any personal agenda. Questions arise because of performances. After playing 24 balls, someone has to take responsibility,” he remarked.

Imad also questioned the role clarity and batting positions of senior players, noting that Babar often arrives early in the innings. “He came in during the fourth over, not the 11th. So when will he win us a game? When will he make an impact in the big matches?” he asked.

Drawing comparisons with England’s attacking batter Harry Brook, Imad suggested that elite players are defined by their performances in major tournaments, particularly in knockout fixtures such as World Cup semi-finals and quarter-finals.

While acknowledging Babar’s notable innings in the past, including performances during the ICC Cricket World Cup, Imad maintained that consistent match-defining contributions in crucial encounters remain the benchmark for greatness.

He added that public scrutiny is inevitable in Pakistan cricket and insisted that criticism is part of the game. “The entire country prays for Babar to score runs. But support cannot replace performance. It’s about impact in big matches,” he concluded.

Imad’s remarks are likely to intensify ongoing discussions about leadership, consistency, and accountability within Pakistan’s setup as the team prepares for upcoming international assignments.