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In the latest development, recently-retired Pakistani all-rounder Imad Wasim has made a swift return to professional cricket by signing up with the Melbourne Stars for the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) season 13. The 34-year-old, who bid farewell to international cricket on November 24, will join the Stars after Christmas to bolster their squad for the remaining matches in the tournament.
Familiar territory: Imad Wasim’s return to BBL
Wasim is no stranger to the BBL, having previously represented the Melbourne Renegades in the league. This time, he will share the dressing room with compatriots Haris Rauf and Usama Mir in the Melbourne Stars outfit. The Stars’ General Manager, Blair Crouch, expressed his excitement about Wasim’s inclusion, highlighting the all-rounder’s left-arm spin and lower-order batting skills.
Melbourne Stars’ strategy and Wasim’s role
Liam Dawson from England will be available for the first three matches for the Stars, and Wasim’s inclusion is seen as a strategic move to fortify the team’s spin-bowling options and add depth to the batting lineup. Imad’s ability to bowl with the new ball during the power play makes him a valuable asset, and his experience is expected to contribute significantly to the Stars’ campaign.
Also READ: Pakistan all-rounder Imad Wasim bids farewell to international cricket
A stellar career
Wasim made his international debut in May 2015 against Zimbabwe and went on to represent Pakistan in 55 ODIs and 66 T20Is. Throughout his career, he showcased his skills as a crafty left-arm orthodox bowler and a reliable lower-order batsman. His international stint yielded 109 wickets and 1,472 runs, making him a seasoned campaigner in the T20 format.
Wasim recently opted out of the ongoing National T20 in Karachi, where he was named in the Islamabad squad. Instead, he is currently participating in the Abu Dhabi T10 League 2023, representing the Deccan Gladiators.
Melbourne Stars’ BBL|13 Squad:
The Melbourne Stars’ squad for BBL|13 now features a diverse mix of local and international talent, with Imad Wasim joining a formidable lineup that includes the likes of Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, and Rauf.
Squad: Scott Boland, Joe Burns, Hilton Cartwright, Brody Couch, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Liam Dawson (ENG), Sam Harper, Campbell Kellaway, Nick Larkin, Glenn Maxwell, Usama Mir (PAK), Joel Paris, Haris Rauf (PAK), Tom Rogers, Mark Steketee, Marcus Stoinis, Imad Wasim (PAK), Beau Webster
