Flex or flawed: Imad Wasim’s picture smoking cigarette after the PSL final has consumed the internet

Cricketer’s remarkable five-wicket haul during final match was crucial in securing win against Multan Sultans

Following Islamabad United’s victory in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024 final against Multan Sultans, all-rounder Imad Wasim has found himself in the spotlight for an unexpected reason. The cricketer, who played a crucial role in securing the title for Islamabad, was caught on camera smoking in the dressing room after his stellar performance.

Imad’s remarkable five-wicket haul during the final match earned him accolades, with fans praising his exceptional performance on the field. However, his off-field actions sparked a debate on social media platforms.

During the 18th over of the Multan innings, broadcast visuals captured Imad smoking a cigarette in the dressing room, drawing mixed reactions from cricket enthusiasts worldwide. While some fans expressed disappointment over his decision to smoke, others defended him, citing the intense pressure of professional sports and the need for relaxation.

“How are our players so casual with smoking? First, Hamza Mir, now Imad Wasim?” a social media user took to the microblogging platform X to express her dismay. Even the cricketer’s diehard fans were compelled to admit that candidly smoking in the camera’s view was not the wisest call. Another wrote, “Still can’t believe Imad got [a] fifer, went to the dressing room just for smoking a ciggy. WTF was he thinking? Like a camera wouldn’t catch him, who is this unhinged?”

Others jumped to his defence, contending that the incident marked nothing out of the ordinary. “You are very innocent if you think Imad Wasim smoking cigarettes in the dressing room is a big issue,” a post begged to differ. “There happens a lot in the dressing rooms during the domestic season of Pakistan.”

Another shared Imad’s picture and captioned it, “Take away the 5-fer and still Man of the Final,” while one cricket enthusiast remarked, “This new character arc is intriguing even for a veteran Imad hater like me.” A picture of English cricketer Ben Stokes smoking to calm his nerves ahead of World Cup 2019 has started making rounds again with a comical spin: “Key to success. Imad Stokes.”

Despite the controversy surrounding his smoking incident, Imad’s contribution to Islamabad’s victory was undeniable. His career-best T20 figures of five for 23 played a pivotal role in restricting Multan to a manageable total, ultimately leading Islamabad to their third PSL title.