Pakistan comes first: All-rounder Wasim withdraws retirement in lead up to T20 World Cup

Pakistan all-rounder Imad Wasim on Saturday announced he would come out of retirement to play in this year's Twenty20 World Cup, four months after ending his international career.

The 35-year-old left-handed batsman and off-spinner anchored Islamabad United's title triumph in the Pakistan Super League on Monday where he took five wickets and made an undefeated 19.

"I'm happy to announce that after meeting PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) officials, I have reconsidered my retirement and am delighted to declare my availability for Pakistan leading up to the T20 World Cup," he wrote on social media.

He thanked the PCB for “reposing trust in me”, adding that he would give his “very best to bring laurels to my country. Pakistan comes first!”

The 20-team World Cup takes place in the United States and West Indies from June 1.

Wasim has played 55 one-day internationals and 66 Twenty20s for Pakistan but his fitness and attitude were often called into question by selectors.

He was part of Pakistan's Twenty20 set-up in the series against New Zealand in April last year but his axing from the squad for the 50-over World Cup in October and November prompted him to call time on his international career.

Pakistan are due to play a five-match home T20 series against New Zealand next month before touring Ireland and England for six more matches ahead of the World Cup.

Agence France-Presse