SYDNEY: Former Pakistan all-rounder Imad Wasim on Tuesday, joined an elusive list of all-rounders as he completed 1000 runs and took fifty wickets in a calendar year in T20s.
Imad Wasim, who is representing Melbourne Stars in the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) season 13, could play a 14-run knock in his side’s four-wicket victory over hosts Sydney Stars.
His brief knock was enough to take him past the thousand-run mark in T20s this year, coupled with 50 wickets.
Notably, Imad Wasim became only the fourth player to achieve this feat, joining an elusive list of all-rounders featuring Kieron Pollard (2010), Azhar Mahmood (2012) and Andre Russell (2016).
It is worth mentioning here that Imad was part of one of the biggest trades in the history of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) when he was transferred to Islamabad United after representing Karachi Kings for eight years.
A few days earlier, Imad Wasim left his fans stunned when he announced to retire from international cricket.
Taking to X, formerly Twitter, Imad Wasim revealed that he was thinking about his future in international cricket before calling time on his eight-year long career.
“In recent days have been doing a lot of thinking about my international career and have come to the conclusion that now is the right time for me to announce my retirement from international cricket.
“I would like to thank the PCB for all their support over the years it has truly been an honour to represent Pakistan. Each of my 121 appearances across the ODI and T201 formats was a dream come true.
A new beginning pic.twitter.com/dHookYC5vR
— Imad Wasim (@simadwasim) November 29, 2023
Imad Wasim extended his well wishes for Pakistan cricket and also thanked his fans for their support.
“It’s an exciting time for Pakistan cricket going forwards with new coaches and leadership incoming. I wish all involved every success and look forward to watching the team excel.
“Thank you to the Pakistan fans for always supporting me with such passion. A final thank you to my family and friends who have been so important in helping me achieve at the highest level.
“Now, [I] look forward to focussing on the next stage of my playing career away from the international stage.
Notably, Imad Wasim, who made his international debut in 2015, represented Pakistan in 66 T20Is and 55 ODIs.
He scored 1,472 runs across formats with the help of six half-centuries.
He was part of the Pakistan side that won the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017.
His last appearance for Pakistan, however, was in April this year in the home T20I series against New Zealand.