Amidst the whirlwind of Pakistan cricket, where controversies often bloom like wildflowers, the latest saga revolves around the unexpected reversal of retirements by Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim. Their volte-face has left fans scratching their heads and tongues wagging, especially with a twist of irony – they seem to be rejoining the fray just in time for the T20 World Cup. But what’s the real story behind their U-turn?
Speculations abound as fans mockingly suggest that the duo’s abrupt return is merely a ploy to secure a spot in the squad under the leadership of Babar Azam. Yes, you read that right, Babar’s captaincy seems to be the recurring theme in this drama.
Amir and Imad mocked Babar’s captaincy on various occasions
Ever since Babar Azam was named the white-ball captain, the cricketing landscape has been marred by whispers of discontent and behind-the-scenes rifts majorly including Amir and Imad against the latter. On various occasions, the two discussed Babar’s captaincy and his place in the T20I format on-screen.
Moreover, Shaheen’s shaky start as captain, losing 4-1 against New Zealand, and Lahore Qalandars’ dismal performance in the PSL 2024 season, with 8 losses out of 10 matches, prompted the cricket board to opt for a seasoned leader ahead of the T20 World Cup.
In the midst of this turmoil, Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim emerged from retirement, citing the call of duty towards their nation and team. Imad’s stellar performance during the PSL added fuel to the fire, with rumors swirling that Shaheen Afridi himself pleaded for his return, emphasizing the team’s dire need for his prowess.
Meanwhile, Amir took to Twitter, announcing PCB’s “respectful request” for him to reconsider his decision. Interestingly, during Babar’s previous stint as captain, Amir staunchly stood by his retirement, turning down multiple offers to return. But since Shaheen was at the helm, his narrative had shifted. Cricket fans mock both Amir and Imad saying the duo took retirement only to play under Babar’s captaincy once again.
Reports surfaced hinting at Babar Azam‘s conditions for reclaiming the T20I captaincy, citing past injustices during Zaka Ashraf’s tenure. Babar’s abrupt removal post-World Cup 2023 and subsequent replacements left a bitter taste in his mouth, and now, he seems to have laid down terms before donning the captain’s armband again. As a result, Babar is now the white-ball captain ahead of the crucial T20I endeavours loading.
As both Imad and Amir find themselves back in the fold, undergoing rigorous training at the Kakul camp ahead of the New Zealand series, the irony isn’t lost on fans. Their past criticisms of Babar’s place in T20Is, his leadership, and the apparent friction between them now seem like distant echoes as they prepare to play under his captaincy once again.
The stage is set, the stakes are high, and amidst it all, Babar’s captaincy stands as the fulcrum around which this gripping narrative unfolds. Whether this reunion heralds a new era of unity and success for Pakistan cricket or merely adds another chapter to its tangled web of controversies remains to be seen. But one thing’s for sure – the spotlight will be firmly fixed on Babar’s leadership as the T20 World Cup approaches.
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