The star Pakistani all-rounder Imad Wasim hasn't played a single international game after the 2021 T20 world cup. Following his mediocre returns in the World Cup held in the UAE last year, Imad was dropped from Pakistan's white-ball teams that took the field against Bangladesh just after the completion of the mega event.
Pakistan men's team's chief selector Mr Mohammad Wasim has revealed that Imad's consistent poor returns and sub-standard fitness played a significant role in his ouster from the national side.
Speaking to the renowned Pakistani journalist Waheed Khan in his program, 'cricket baaz', Wasim rated Imad's recent performances as below-par and stressed that his fitness has let the all-rounder down in big time.
"Imad's performance in the recent past wasn't up to the mark. He also has fitness issues which is why he is suffering," Wasim said.
Continuing, the chief selector said that the PCB has adopted a strict approach to standardizing the fitness of its players, which is well-reflected from the team's recent performances. He also praised the budding all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz for his outstanding on-field returns as well as athleticism, which has established him as a like-for-like replacement for Imad Wasim on the national side in the latter's absence.
"Currently, we have high fitness standards in the team and it is visible in the team's performance. Looking at Nawaz's performance, his fitness and performance are going good currently," the 43-year-old concluded.