We have potential to win T20 World Cup: Imad

LAHORE: Pakistan’s experienced all-rounder Imad Wasim on Saturday stressed that Pakistan have the potential to win the ICC T20 World Cup which will be held in the US and West Indies next month. “This team has the potential. If it plays up to its potential and plays like a unit then we cannot lose to any team and I believe in this,” Imad told a group of reporters here after the training session here at the Gaddafi Stadium.

“The rest is that we don’t know what Allah has written for us but we can hope to win the World Cup,” Imad added.

“I and Amir have come for a specific purpose and that is to win the World Cup for Pakistan. Since long we have been playing semi-finals and finals but it’s a truth that no one remembers semi-finalists and finalists but they only remember champions. We want to bring in trophy and it’s the mentality of the entire team to win the World Cup,” Imad said.

Asked whether he will give input to skipper Babar Azam relating to plans Imad said definitely he will do.

“I have not returned to cricket for personal benefits. I have been attached with this country more emotionally and that is why I have returned to represent the country and finish on a high note. We will try to give happiness to the nation and so that we could together celebrate it. It’s our mission and goal. It’s in the hands of God whether we would achieve it or not but I want Pakistan to win this World Cup irrespective of my contribution whether it is less or more,” he said.

Imad said that he does not take outside pressure and the hype which is created.

“I only take pressure of my performance and nothing else. I always try to deliver so that the team could win. There is no outside pressure on me and, yes match pressure is always there,” he said.

“There is no arrogance in it but it is a matter of confidence. Yes I respect the opinion of the people,” he said.

Imad said that he is ready for bowling both with the old and new ball.

“I train the way which makes me ready to bowl with the new ball and old ball. For the last two to three years during the leagues I also sometimes bowl with the old ball. In the CPL I bowled with the old ball. In the Major League Cricket I have bowled with the new ball and so with different combination I have been used,” he said.

Imad also shared his experience of the conditions and pitches in both the US and West Indies where he has played league cricket.

“There are certain grounds where pitches are very difficult for batting. There are certain grounds where pitches are good for batting but wind is a major factor there and you know in island zones it happens,” Imad observed.

“And whatever cricket I have played there I have learnt that how wind can be utilized. I don’t notice the batsmen but what conditions demand and whether I should bowl slow or a bit quick, or, arm ball,” he said. “In the West Indies sometimes 120 also is a winning score,” Imad said. “I have played Major League last year in Dallas and before that some matches of the CPL had been held in Miami and I have idea about those wickets. In Dallas wind factor will be there. I have not played in New York because the venue is new.