PAK vs US: Imad Wasim ruled out of Pakistan's first T20 World Cup match

Pakistan's national cricket team, currently in the United States for the T20 World Cup 2024, has suffered a setback as key all-rounder Imad Wasim has been ruled out for their opening match.

Confirming Wasim's unavailability for the first match, captain Babar Azam said that the all-rounder was sidelined due to a side strain. 

"Imad Wasim is suffering from a side strain, which means he won't be able to play in our opening match," Babar revealed.

Despite the setback, the skipper was optimistic about Wasim's participation in the remaining matches of the mega cricket tournament.

"Although Imad won't play the first game, we hope that he will be available for the rest of the matches," he added.

Pakistan are set to face the United States in their opening World Cup match on June 6 (tomorrow). 

The US team has already began their campaign with a victory against Canada in their first T20 World Cup match.

Squads

Pakistan: Babar Azam (c), Saim Ayub, Mohammad Rizwan, Azam Khan, Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf.

United States: Monank Patel (c), Aaron Jones, Andries Gous, Corey Anderson, Ali Khan, Harmeet Singh, Jessy Singh, Milind Kumar, Nisarg Patel, Nitish Kumar, Noshtush Kenjige, Saurabh Nethralvakar, Shadley Van Schalkwyk, Steven Taylor and Shayan Jahangir.

Reserves: Gajanand Singh, Juanoy Drysdale and Yasir Mohammad