Pakistan's star all-rounder set to miss opener game in T20 World Cup 2024 due to injury

Before the beginning of the ICC T20 World Cup campaign, Pakistan received a massive blow as All-rounder Imad Wasim will miss the opener against the USA on June 5. Skipper Babar Azam informed the media about a persistent side strain that hasn't yet allowed the all-rounder to be completely fit and is still under observation. 

"The medical staff is monitoring him and he will be available for the remaining matches in the World Cup," said Babar Azam. 

Wasim came out of retirement two months before the start of the World Cup as the selectors felt his style of action and bowling would suit the USA. Hence, despite injury, he was included in the squad. Apart from him, bowler Mohammed Amir was also a part of the team, and he wasn't used during the New Zealand, Ireland, and England series. However, since the pitches in New York are helping the pacers, Amir might get a chance in the upcoming matches. 

'They (pitches) appear good for pace bowlers' -  Babar Azam 

Ahead of the game against the USA, Pakistan skipper Babar Azam talked about the pitches in the USA. As per the captain, pitches assist the pacers, and their pace attack is brilliant, so they aren't worried about the pitch much. However, they didn't get to play a warm-up match which might be an issue for the team. 

"They (pitches) appear good for pace bowlers and we have a very good pace attack so the pitches seem good for us. It is okay. We have no complaints and we have seen all this before. Not playing any warm-up games before our first match could have been a problem but we have come here after playing some cricket. It is not an issue for us," said Babar Azam.