KARACHI: Pakistan’s spinning all-rounder Imad Wasim Saturday announced he would come out of retirement for this year’s Twenty20 World Cup, four months after ending his international career.
The 35-year-old left-handed batter and spinner anchored Islamabad United’s title triumph in the Pakistan Super League with both bat and ball in the final on Monday.
Wasim said he wanted to play for Pakistan.
“I am happy to announce that pursuant to meeting PCB [Pakistan Cricket Board] officials, I have reconsidered my retirement and am delighted to declare my availability for Pakistan leading up to ICC [International Cricket Council] T20I World Cup,” he wrote on social media.
The 20-team World Cup will start in the United States and the West Indies from June 1 this year.
Wasim played 55 one-day internationals and 66 Twenty20Is for Pakistan and was a key all-rounder but his fitness and attitude were described as hindrance in his career by the previous selection committee.
He was part of Pakistan’s Twenty20 squad in the series against New Zealand in April last year but his axing from ODI World Cup in November prompted him to retire.
Pakistan are due to play a five-match home T20I series against New Zealand next month before touring Ireland and England for six more matches, all build-up to the World Cup.
Pakistan’s Imad Wasim reverses retirement to play Twenty20 World Cup
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Pakistan’s Imad Wasim reverses retirement to play Twenty20 World Cup
- The Pakistani all-rounder anchored Islamabad United’s title triumph in PSL tournament with bat and ball
- He announced retirement after the selection team dropped him ahead of the ODI World Cup last November
US envoy, military officials attend Pakistan-US counterterrorism exercise
- Exercise Inspired Gambit-2026 marks 13th round of Pakistan-US counterterrorism training
- US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker observed the drills with senior American military officials
ISLAMABAD: The top US diplomat in Pakistan, accompanied by senior American military officials, on Thursday observed joint counterterrorism drills conducted by Pakistani and US troops aimed at improving how the two forces operate together, Pakistan’s military said.
The drills are part of Exercise Inspired Gambit–2026 that is being held from Jan. 8 to Jan. 16 at the National Counter Terrorism Center in Pabbi, situated in the Punjab province, marking the 13th iteration of the bilateral training series since it began in 1995.
“Distinguished Visitors’ Day ceremony was held on 15 January 2026 at the National Counter Terrorism Center, Pabbi,” the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said in a statement. “Her Excellency Ms. Natalie Baker, Chargé d’Affaires of the United States of America to Pakistan, accompanied by senior US military dignitaries, and Commander Rawalpindi Corps graced the occasion.”
“The visitors were briefed on the scope, objectives, and conduct of the exercise,” it added. “A high level of professionalism and competence was demonstrated by participants of both armies, which was appreciated by the visiting dignitaries.”
Pakistan and the United States have maintained close defense and security ties for decades, working together during the Cold War era, especially after the 1979 Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.
The relationship continued following the US-led intervention in Afghanistan after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, though cooperation became strained at times due to policy differences.
ISPR said the exercise was meant to enhance bilateral military cooperation through the exchange of counterterrorism experience, refinement of drills and procedures and the development of interoperability.
