What can I say: Wasim admits being 'surprised' by Babar Azam’s reappointment as Pakistan captain for T20 WC

Pakistan all-rounder Imad Wasim opened up on Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) decision to reappoint Babar Azam as the white-ball captain ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup, held in West Indies and the USA. Babar had stepped down as Pakistan's all-format captain soon after the Asian giant's miserable run in the 2023 ODI World Cupin India.

Shaheen Afridi was then named the T20I captain, whereas Shan Masood took over in Tests. After just one series as captain, Shaheen was removed -- following a 4-1 series loss to hosts New Zealand -- andBabar was reappointed as the white-ball skipperby PCB, a decision that surprised many. Under Babar, Pakistan fell apart in the T20 World Cup, losing to USA and India and failing to make it to the Super 8.

Imad has now opened up on Babar's reappointment and admitted that the call 'surprised' him as well.“Yes, I was surprised. What can I say, it’s ultimately the selector’s call. Whatever they thought was the best option, they picked and they picked the team [accordingly],” said all-rounder Imad Wasim on Babar’s re-appointment as captain to a local sports platform. “Everybody in Pakistan was surprised, not just me. So, I can’t say no that I was not surprised,” he stated.

On Pakistan's shambolic performance, Imad, who came back from international retirement to play the mega event, said,"Yeah, our performance wasn’t up to the mark, to be honest, and we have to accept that, including myself. So yeah, but it is what it is. I think we had a good side, but didn’t click."

During a presser in the T20 WC, Imad had pointed out, "The problem is our team is so good, our players are so good, that we are good enough to play any kind of cricket. We haven’t tried that but the thing is you have to try that, you have to get rid of the fear of failure. In everything – batting, bowling, fielding, you have to get rid of fear of failure."

Pakistan were placed in Pool A along with eventual winners India, co-hosts USA, Ireland and Canada. They lost to the USAin a thrilling Super Over contest and failed to chase down 120 versus arch-rivals India before beating the other two teams. However, it was too late by then as they bowed out of the 20-nation event.