In our latest exclusive interview, Pakistan's 2017 Champions Trophy winner and T20 specialist, Imad Wasim, delivers fresh insights on Pakistan cricket's new era. Fresh from PSL X, the Islamabad United star delves deep into team dynamics, and the revolution under Mike Hesson.

By Saj Sadiq (June 10th, 2025)

Summary of topics discussed:

Islamabad United's PSL Performance: Imad Wasim discusses Islamabad United's performance in the PSL, noting their strong start and subsequent collapse due to injuries and not playing to their full potential

Advice for Young Players: He offers advice to young cricketers like Naseem Shah, acknowledging that even talented players can have off-color performances. He also advises Azam Khan to focus on fitness and mental game, emphasizing that one bad season doesn't define a player

Player Availability in Franchise Cricket: Wasim touches on Alex Hales's brief stint with Islamabad United, explaining that in franchise cricket, players are often available for limited periods, and their value is recognized even for short contributions

Dynamics of Leadership: He discusses the relationship between Shadab Khan and Salman Ali Agha, noting that while one is the national team captain and the other the vice-captain, they focus on their roles and aren't bothered by media narratives

Salman Ali Agha's Leadership: Wasim praises Salman Ali Agha, calling him one of the most underrated cricketers in Pakistan and highlighting his potential to change the course of Pakistan cricket due to his understanding of the game and player management skills

Mike Hesson's Coaching Approach: He talks about Mike Hesson as the national team head coach, appreciating his clear and demanding approach to changing Pakistan's cricket culture towards a more aggressive and attacking style

Pakistan's Playing Style: Wasim strongly advocates for Pakistan to adopt a more attacking and aggressive style of T20 cricket, emphasizing that players who don't buy into this approach shouldn't be selected, regardless of their reputation

Thoughts on Senior Players: He addresses the situation of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, suggesting they need to adapt their T20 playing style to align with the team's new attacking approach, while acknowledging their strong performances in other formats

Importance of Spinners: Wasim suggests the need for a finger spinner, particularly a left-arm spinner, in the team to provide a defensive bowling option alongside the existing leg-spinners

Retirement and Future Plans: He reiterates his retirement from international cricket and expresses his desire to enjoy playing in T20 leagues like the CPL

Domestic Cricket Rule: Wasim agrees with the PCB's decision for international players to participate in at least one domestic competition, viewing it as a way to support domestic cricket

Clarification on Sikandar Raza Comments: He clarifies his previous comments about Sikandar Raza, explaining that his remarks about players going where they are paid well were taken out of context.

He intended to highlight the professionalism and commitment of players who travel extensively for various leagues, emphasizing the short and tough nature of a cricketer's life.

Watch the full interview at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGXZm_vbV8c