T20 Blast 2023: Imad Wasim returns to Notts Outlaws on short-term deal

Pakistan all-rounder Imad Wasim has signed for his third stint as an overseas player with Notts Outlaws in the T20 Blast 2023. Wasim will be available for the final two group games and the quarter-final stage of the tournament if Outlaws qualify for the same. The 34-year-old was also a part of Outlaws' successful campaign in 2020 when they lifted the trophy for the second time.

Wasim has been brought in as a cover for Colin Munro and Samit Patel, both of whom are unlikely to feature in the remaining two group-stage games due to injury. Outlaws coach Peter Moores was delighted to welcome back Wasim and cherished the memories he’s had with the team.

“We’re delighted to welcome Imad back, particularly with the memories we have of him lifting the trophy at Edgbaston three years ago. It helps that he’s been with us before. He knows how we operate and vice versa, and he has experience at the highest level, which helps in big games. He can bowl across different periods of the game and is a strong middle-order batter,” Moores said in a statement issued by the club. 

Moores further said that both Munro and Patel have shown their class in the tournament so far and will be missed by the franchise.

“Both Colin and Samit are excellent players who have shown their class across the tournament this year, and we’ll miss what they bring to the side. However, we believe that by exercising the opportunity to recruit an overseas player of Imad’s quality, we can retain the balance of our side and continue to push for success,” he added.

Outlaws rank fourth in the points table

Notably, Wasim has scalped 18 wickets in 16 games playing for Notts Outlaws across two seasons and has an economy of under seven. He further averages 24 with the bat and has a strike rate of over 130. The Wales-born cricketer has also played 66 T20Is for Pakistan so far and has picked 65 wickets at an average of 21.78.

Meanwhile, Outlaws are ranked on the fourth spot in the North Group Points table with seven wins from 12 games. They have two games remaining against Warwickshire and Leicestershire on 30 June and July 2, respectively.