Imad Wasim begins Falcons captaincy with tough defeat

BASSETERRE: The very first match of Imad Wasim as captain of the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2025 ended in disappointment as the team lost to the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in the tournament opener.

Taking over the captaincy role for the Falcons, Imad faced a tough challenge against a strong Patriots side that featured players such as Jason Holder and Naseem Shah.

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Despite a well-balanced squad, the Falcons struggled to find their rhythm on the field and were unable to secure a victory.

Imad Wasim, an experienced all-rounder with previous CPL experience, now has added responsibilities. Captaining a side requires not only performance on the field but also managing strategies, making quick decisions and guiding the team through pressure situations.

This match highlighted areas that need adjustment as he settles into a leadership role.

The Falcons boast a mix of seasoned international players, such as Shakib Al Hasan, and promising youngsters including Jayden Seales. In his post-match commentary, the 36-year-old noted that individual talent alone will not bring success unless all players gelled together as a unit.

In the defeat, it was clear that Falcons need to improve their ability to respond to shifting match conditions. The Patriots displayed a stronger, more coordinated performance at important moments, giving them an edge.

The all-rounder’s calm demeanour and cricketing knowledge are strengths he brings to his captaincy. The challenge lies in applying these qualities to make tactical decisions that can influence the outcome of closely contested games.

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Leadership in T20 format requires quick changes – whether rotating bowlers effectively or adjusting fields rapidly – skills Imad will need to hone as the league progresses.

While the loss to the Patriots was a setback, it also serves as a learning experience. From his post-match commentary, it is clear he knows where his team faltered – areas he can improve upon as the CPL just began.