While Islamabad United’s Imad Wasim dazzled with his record-breaking five-wicket haul in the high-stakes Pakistan Super League (PSL) final, it was a moment of controversy off the field that captured the viral spotlight. Imad, a seasoned former Pakistan all-rounder, found himself the center of attention not only for his stellar performance that earmarked him as the player of the match but also because a video showing him smoking a couple of cigarettes together in the dressing room during a crucial phase of the game has spread across social media platforms.
The incident occurred during the 18th over of the opposition Multan Sultans’ innings, after Imad had already demonstrated his skills with a phenomenal spell of bowling, claiming 5/23 in his quota of four overs. At this point, the cameras inadvertently caught Imad indulging in a smoke. The cameraman, realizing the potential implications of the visual, swiftly redirected his camera away from the scene in the United dressing room. However, the footage had already been captured and was making rapid rounds on the internet.
Imad’s exploits with the ball were not the only highlights of his final performance. His contributions were vital with the bat as well. The Sultans, despite losing wickets at regular intervals, managed to put up a fighting total of 159 runs. In replay, Islamabad United experienced a faltering middle order and looked to Imad Wasim alongside Naseem Shah to navigate through the precarious situation.
The final required a collective effort, and Martin Guptill rose to the occasion with a resilient half-century, providing a solid foundation for Islamabad United. Azam Khan was notable as the only middle-order batter to contribute significantly before the pair of Imad and Naseem took the reins. Eventually, their steady partnership guided Islamabad United to a nerve-wracking victory and a historic third title in the PSL, marking them as the first team ever to achieve this feat.
However, the Multan Sultans were left to reflect on a hat-trick of losses in consecutive finals, having reached the summit clash four times in a row since 2021, yet falling short each time. The defeat was particularly poignant given their consistent performances throughout the tournament stages.
A remarkable statistic emerged from this final as Islamabad United became only the second team, after Sunrisers Hyderabad, to claim a tournament title following their journey through the playoff eliminator, highlighting their resilience and tenacity.
Off the field, however, the buzz surrounding Imad Wasim’s smoking in the dressing room was undoubtedly unwanted attention for both the player and the team amidst their celebrations. The incident has sparked conversations about athletes’ conduct in professional sports, particularly concerning their influence and the example they set for fans and younger players. The relevance and timing of the incident could also lead to discussions around the pressures athletes face during high-stress events and how they manage their stress.
In the game’s aftermath, the video continues to circulate, raising questions about acceptable behavior and decorum within sporting environments. As Islamabad United lifts the trophy, they might have to address the narrative beyond just the boundaries of cricket, which now involves handling the unexpected controversy stirred by one of their most pivotal players in their triumphant campaign.
