Imad Wasim, Islamabad United’s star all-rounder, was spotted smoking while sitting with his teammates in the PSL final against Multan Sultans.
No doubt, Imad Wasim’s performance in the PSL final 2024 on Sunday was match-winning. He took a 5-wicket haul to restrict Multan Sultans to 159/9. Wasim picked up important wickets of David Willey, Yasir Khan, and other players, to turn in one of his best T20 league outings.
But, not long after his magical spell on the field, Wasim sparked a major scandal when he was found smoking in the team’s dressing room, while the match was going on.
Caught in the Smoking Fiasco
GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA – DECEMBER 29: Imad Wasim of the Renegades celebrates after dismissing Josh Philippe of the Sixers during the Big Bash League match between the Melbourne Renegades and the Sydney Sixers at Metricon Stadium, on December 29, 2020, in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
Following his outstanding performance in four overs, Imad Wasim returned to the dressing room when the broadcast visuals captured him smoking a cigarette during the 18th over of the innings.
Martin Guptill’s half-century set up the game for Islamabad, who were five runs behind at 121. Walking in at number six, Wasim stood unbeaten on 19 as he led his team to a two-wicket victory.
Because of his all-around performance, Wasim was also named Player of the Match. With three Pakistan Super League (PSL) titles, Islamabad is now the most successful team among the nine participating teams. The Multan Sultans, on the other hand, have placed second in three straight seasons.
The 35-year-old, who has 65 T20I and 55 ODI wickets, last played for Pakistan in April 2024, and has 1472 international runs in all forms.
Previous Instances of International Players
It should be noted that Wasim is not the first cricket player to be detected smoking during a game. Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell was spotted smoking an e-cigarette during the match against South Africa at the ODI World Cup in India last year.
Similar to this, during a Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) game in 2022, Afghanistan’s wicketkeeper-batter, Muhammad Shahzad, was seen smoking on the pitch. Later on, he received a demerit point for the behavior.
Also Read: RCB Beat Delhi Capital By 8 Wickets To Lift Their First WPL 2024 Trophy
Summing it Up!
Despite the smoking incident, United won the summit battle to claim their third PSL final 2024 title. Chasing a difficult 160-run goal, Hunain Shah scored a boundary on the last ball to lead the side to victory.
Bear in mind that Wasim quit international cricket in November of last year, after being neglected by management. But Imad Wasim left the door open for his comeback to the circuit after the game.
“I had no idea that it would turn out to be the greatest tournament ever. only wished to contribute to the team’s victory. It was a new experience – taking five wickets in the final. Learned that that we should’ve finished it one over earlier. I enjoy playing cricket and making every effort to support the team. I still have four or five years remaining to play cricket,” Wasim said.
We’ll have to wait and see whether he makes a comeback!
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