The Islamabad captain believes a match-winner shouldn’t be treated that way.
Islamabad United skipper Shadab Khan was not happy with the way his teammate Imad Wasim was treated by the crowd in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) season nine.
Imad, 35, has faced unsettling chants of “Babar Babar” towards him in the PSL 9 and Shadab believed that such treatment for someone who has represented Pakistan for so long is sad.
During the exciting match between Islamabad United and Peshawar Zalmi at the National Stadium Karachi, people chants loudly whenever Imad was near the edge of the field or when he came to bat later in the game.
Shabad voiced his support for Imad after the game and showed his empathy towards his teammate, highlighting that we shouldn’t overlook the 35-year-old’s efforts for Pakistan.
“I haven’t personally discussed this with Maddy bhai, but if I were to experience such a situation, it would definitely be disheartening. After dedicating myself to playing for Pakistan for an extended period and giving my best for the country, facing such behavior from our own crowd would be disappointing,” Shadab expressed.
“Clearly, as a player, there’s a sense of disappointment when you’ve represented your nation, contributed to victories, and yet face such treatment from our own people. It’s definitely disheartening,” expressed the player.
Shadab disclosed that he had a conversation with Imad when the 35-year-old announced his retirement from international cricket back in November 2023. He expressed his desire for the left-handed all-rounder to rethink his decision, especially with the 2024 T20 World Cup on the horizon.
“I really want to emphasize that when Imad made his decision, I personally expressed to him that I didn’t want him to retire. Pakistan truly values players like him. If there’s an opportunity to talk to him again, I hope he’ll reconsider, especially with the World Cup coming up. Given his current form and experience in CPL, Pakistan could greatly benefit from his presence,” Shadab stated.
Imad has been showcasing exceptional performances in the ongoing PSL 9. He emerged as Islamabad’s pivotal player during their crucial group match against Multan Sultans. Furthermore, he delivered a remarkable bowling spell of 3-12 against Quetta Gladiators in the first eliminator and also played a brilliant innings of 59* (40) against Peshawar Zalmi in the second eliminator.
