Islamabad United’s captain Shadab Khan has showered praise on team-mate Imad Wasim and expressed hope that the seasoned all-rounder will consider taking back retirement from international cricket.

Imad Wasim led Islamabad United to back-to-back victories in the playoffs of the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 9 and propelled to the final against Multan Sultans.

The left-handed all-rounder scored an unbeaten 59 off 40 deliveries with the help of nine boundaries to guide Islamabad United to a fighting five-wicket win over Peshawar Zalmi in the Eliminator 2 of PSL 9 yesterday.

Shadab Khan stressed the value Wasim can bring to the national team if he considers reversing his retirement ahead of the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024, which is scheduled in the West Indies and the United States of America (USA).

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“In fact, when Imad made the decision, I had also told him that I didn’t want him to leave. Because Pakistan needs players like him,” said Khan during the post-match press conference.

“God willing, if there is a discussion with him, hopefully, he will come back because the World Cup is approaching and the way he is performing and his experience in CPL, Pakistan definitely needs him,” he added.

Meanwhile, Wasim, who stunned the cricket fans in November last year with a shocking retirement from international cricket, has kept the door open for his comeback to international cricket.

“I made a name for myself while playing for Pakistan and if my country needs me, I will be available. If not, I have no issues with that,” Wasim told local media last week.

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