"We should play the game the way world cricket is going" - Imad Wasim after Pakistan's group-stage exit in T20 World Cup 2024
Pakistan all-rounder Imad Wasim admitted to being disappointed with the team's performance in the T20 World Cup 2024 and suggested that they will bounce back strongly. The veteran cricketer underlined the need to approach the game the way other teams have been doing.
The Men in Green failed to progress to the Super 8 stage after losing to India and the USA despite being in winning positions in both matches. Pakistan did beat Canada, but the no-result between USA and Ireland sealed their elimination.
Speaking to reporters ahead of Sunday's match against Ireland, Wasim stated, as quoted by ESPN Cricinfo:
"I think we should play the game the way world cricket is going. We should sort out the way we play the game, the way we should bring awareness, the way we should chase, the way we should approach the game…. We will sit and sort out our approach. Other teams also go out in early stages, but I don't think Pakistan have exited this way. We are extremely disappointed."
The 35-year-old, who reversed his retirement ahead of the World Cup, understands the extent to which they have disappointed the entire nation as well and expressed guilt.
"Me personally and our team, including me, are very disappointed and sad. And the whole public is sad that we didn't perform well and believes we are guilty. We are more disappointed than you are. This is our profession after all."
The 2009 World T20 champions had a scratchy build-up to the event. They lost a series to England and just managed to beat Ireland, following a drawn rubber against an under-strength New Zealand side.
"Personnel change doesn't change anything" - Imad Wasim
Wasim added that Pakistan need a change in intent and the removal of fear of failure. He added:
"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. Personnel change doesn't change anything, just changing the mindset can change a lot of things."
The Men in Green will hope to end their campaign with a win over Ireland on Sunday in Florida.