Imad Wasim: Pakistan cricket has always been a hotbed of dramatic twists and turns, both on and off the field. One such development took place earlier this year when Babar Azam was reappointed as the captain of the Pakistan cricket team. This decision came as a surprise not only to cricket fans but also to some of his teammates, including Imad Wasim, one of Pakistan’s most seasoned all-rounders. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reinstated Babar just ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup in the USA and the Caribbean, following a challenging phase for the team.
The appointment of a captain is one of the most critical decisions for any national cricket board. It influences not only the team’s on-field strategies but also the morale of players, fans, and the entire nation that pins its hopes on the performance of its national side. In Pakistan, where cricket is nothing short of a religion, this reappointment brought a mixed bag of emotions. While some hailed the move, others, including Imad Wasim, were left wondering about the PCB’s thought process.
Imad Wasim Reaction to Babar Azam’s Reappointment
Imad Wasim, known for his straightforward nature, did not hold back when asked about Babar Azam’s reappointment. He admitted in a recent interview that he was caught off guard by the decision.
“Yes, I was surprised,” Imad stated in an interview with a prominent Pakistani journalist. “What can I say? It’s ultimately the selector’s call. Whatever they thought was the best option, they picked, and they picked the team accordingly. Everybody in Pakistan was surprised, not just me. So, I can’t say no that I was not surprised.”
Imad’s comments reflect the growing uncertainty within the team about leadership, especially after Pakistan’s failure to make a significant impact in the previous ICC events. Following a dismal performance in the ODI World Cup in India in 2023, Babar Azam had voluntarily stepped down from the captaincy, acknowledging the team’s subpar showing. His brief hiatus from the role had seen Shaheen Afridi, one of Pakistan’s premier fast bowlers, take on the captaincy role during the T20 series against New Zealand and in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024. However, Shaheen’s tenure as captain did not yield the desired results either, and the PCB decided to revert to Babar Azam.
PCB’s Thought Process: Why Reappoint Babar Azam?
The PCB’s decision to bring back Babar Azam as captain just before a major ICC event raised several questions. Why reappoint someone who had stepped down just a year earlier? Was there no one else in the pipeline capable of handling the responsibility? While Shaheen Afridi was given a chance, his lack of experience in leadership positions seemed to weigh heavily against him after his team faltered in key matches.
Babar Azam, widely regarded as one of the most talented batsmen in the world, has consistently been Pakistan’s most reliable run-scorer. His calm demeanor on the field and his ability to lead by example made him an attractive choice for captaincy. But leadership in cricket is more than just individual talent. The captain is responsible for strategy, team selection, and managing pressure in high-stakes moments — areas where Babar Azam had previously been criticized, particularly after the team’s poor performance in the ODI World Cup.
Moreover, Pakistan’s cricketing ecosystem has always been marked by its volatile nature, with constant changes in management, coaches, and captains. The pressure from the fans and media is relentless, especially when the team underperforms. The decision to reappoint Babar may have been influenced by the lack of strong alternatives, as well as the PCB’s belief in his batting prowess, hoping that his leadership would stabilize the team ahead of a major tournament.
Pakistan’s Struggles in T20 World Cup 2024
Unfortunately, the decision to reinstate Babar as captain did not translate into success on the field. Despite the PCB’s hopes, Pakistan had a forgettable run in the T20 World Cup 2024, failing to make it past the group stage. This tournament was crucial for Pakistan, especially after their disappointing exit from the ODI World Cup just a year earlier. Expectations were high, and the team was seen as one of the favorites to lift the trophy. However, things didn’t go according to plan.
Pakistan’s group-stage matches saw them suffer narrow defeats to India and the United States, which sealed their early exit from the tournament. These losses were particularly hard to swallow for Pakistani fans, who are always hopeful of their team performing well in ICC events, especially against arch-rivals India. A loss to India is never taken lightly in Pakistan, and the added humiliation of being outplayed by a team like the United States, who are relative newcomers on the world cricketing stage, left fans and players alike disheartened.
Imad Wasim, reflecting on the team’s performance, expressed his disappointment:
“Yeah, our performance wasn’t up to the mark, to be honest, and we have to accept that, including myself. So yeah, but it is what it is. I think we had a good side, but it didn’t click. It can happen in any format, especially T20. But yeah, it was disappointing. I was really disappointed. It took me a long time to get over it.”
The Role of Leadership in Pakistan’s Struggles
The T20 format is notoriously unpredictable, and even the best teams can have bad days. But for Pakistan, the frequent chopping and changing of leadership over the past few years has raised concerns about the consistency and direction of the team. In the modern game, where teams like India, Australia, and England have built stable leadership groups, Pakistan has often found itself grappling with internal politics and indecisiveness.
Babar Azam’s leadership has come under fire, not just for the recent T20 World Cup failure, but also for his tactical decisions in previous tournaments. Critics argue that while Babar is an exceptional batsman, his captaincy lacks the boldness and strategic sharpness needed to compete at the highest level.
During the T20 World Cup, Pakistan often appeared to be reactive rather than proactive, a sign of weak leadership. The team’s inability to handle pressure in crunch situations was evident in the defeats to India and the United States. In T20 cricket, where every ball counts, the team’s lack of aggression and tactical nous was stark.
On the other hand, defenders of Babar argue that the team’s problems go beyond the captain. Pakistan’s batting lineup has been inconsistent, and the bowling attack, which has traditionally been the team’s strength, has struggled to deliver in crucial moments. Injuries to key players and the lack of depth in the squad have also been cited as reasons for the team’s poor performances.
The Future: Where Does Pakistan Go from Here?
With another ICC event gone and another disappointing performance in the books, the question now is: where does Pakistan cricket go from here? Babar Azam continues to be a polarizing figure. While his talent as a batsman is undeniable, his future as captain remains uncertain.
Imad Wasim, like many others, believes that the team needs to introspect and find a way to move forward. The pressure on Babar Azam is immense, not just to score runs but to lead a team that is constantly under scrutiny. The next few months will be crucial for both Babar and the PCB, as they look to rebuild the team ahead of future tournaments.
Babar Azam’s Struggles in Test Cricket and Road to Redemption
Adding to the pressure on Babar is his recent form in Test cricket. The renowned batter has struggled in the longer format of the game, with his poor performances continuing in the recently concluded Bangladesh series. For a player who has been so dominant in limited-overs cricket, Babar’s inability to convert his talent into runs in Test cricket has been a concern for the team.
The upcoming England Tests offer Babar a chance at redemption. Pakistan’s Test team has also had its share of ups and downs, and Babar’s form will be crucial if they are to compete against one of the strongest teams in the world. If Babar can find his touch again and lead the team to success in the Test series, it might silence some of his critics and restore his position as Pakistan’s premier player and captain.
The Importance of Stability in Leadership
Pakistan cricket has often been plagued by instability, both in terms of leadership and team selection. The constant changes at the top have prevented the team from building a cohesive unit that can compete consistently at the highest level. For Pakistan to return to its glory days, the PCB must prioritize stability and give its leaders the time and support they need to succeed.
While Babar Azam’s captaincy remains a contentious issue, the PCB’s decision to stick with him for now suggests that they see him as the man to lead Pakistan into the future. However, the clock is ticking. If Pakistan fails to perform in the upcoming series and tournaments, the pressure to make a change will only intensify.
Conclusion
Imad Wasim surprise at Babar Azam’s reappointment as captain echoes the sentiments of many in Pakistan’s cricketing circles. While Babar is undoubtedly one of the most talented players the country has produced, his captaincy remains under the microscope. The disappointing performances in recent ICC events have raised questions about his leadership skills, and the team’s inability to rise to the occasion has left fans and players alike disillusioned.
As Pakistan looks to the future, the importance of stability and strong leadership cannot be overstated. Whether Babar Azam can rise to the challenge and lead the team back to success remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the road ahead will not be easy. For Pakistan cricket, the next few months will be critical in shaping the team’s direction and determining whether Babar Azam is the right man to lead them forward.
