Imad Wasim

PAK
PAK
All-Rounder
All-Rounder
Imad Wasim

Player Bio

Imad Wasim is an exciting Pakistani cricketer who has made a significant impact on the world stage. He is a left-handed all-rounder known for his unique bowling action and accurate batting skills. Born in Swansea, Wales on 18 December 1988, Wasim's parents moved to Pakistan when he was young. Initially aspiring to become a doctor, the lure of cricket saw him quit medical school and pursue a career in the sport.

Since making his debut for Pakistan in May 2015, Wasim has established himself as one of the most exciting players in international cricket. He has won numerous accolades for his performances with bat and ball and continues to play at the highest level of the game.

Early Life and Background

Imad Wasim had a humble upbringing in Swansea, Wales, before moving to Pakistan at a young age. Growing up in an environment where cricket was hugely popular, it was natural that he would develop an interest in the sport. When he was just 15 years old, he started playing club cricket and soon began turning heads with his impressive performances.

Wasim's love for cricket only continued to grow stronger over time. Despite being enrolled in medical school and working towards becoming a doctor, he couldn't resist the pull of playing professionally. He eventually made the difficult decision to quit medical school when he received an opportunity to play for the under-19 Pakistan team.

Although it wasn't an easy decision for him or his family, it turned out to be the right one as he went on to prove himself on both domestic and international stages.

Rise to Prominence

After making waves with consistent performances domestically, Imad Wasim was finally selected for Pakistan's national team in May 2015 against Zimbabwe. Although it wasn't until later that year that he truly announced himself on the international stage. During Pakistan's tour of Sri Lanka, Wasim showcased his abilities as a left-arm spinner and left-handed batsman. He made crucial contributions in both departments that saw him become one of the regulars in the national team.

Wasim went on to play an instrumental part in Pakistan's historic 2017 Champions Trophy victory. His performances with both bat and ball earned him recognition as one of the best all-rounders in the world at the time. It was also a testament to how far he had come since his early days playing club cricket.

Cricketing Career

Imad Wasim has played a total of 11 test matches for Pakistan, taking a total of 34 wickets with an impressive bowling average of 25.64. However, it is his performances in limited-overs cricket where he has truly excelled.

In One Day Internationals (ODIs), he has taken 47 wickets in 51 matches at an average of 44.10, with a best bowling figure of 5/14 against West Indies in October 2016.

In Twenty-20 International (T20I) games, Wasim has taken an outstanding 54 wickets in just 49 matches at an average of only 19.31 and an economy rate under six runs per over - figures that put him among the elite T20 bowlers worldwide.

Off the field, Wasim is known for leading from the front and his calm demeanour under pressure is widely appreciated by coaches and teammates alike.

Major Tournaments and Series

Imad Wasim is highly regarded for his excellent performance in major cricket tournaments, both at the international level and in different franchise leagues. He was a crucial member of the Pakistan team that won the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy, contributing significantly to the team's success with his all-round skills.

Wasim's impressive performances in numerous other major tournaments include his role in Pakistan's squad that qualified for the semi-finals of the 2019 Cricket World Cup, where he finished as one of Pakistan's top-performing players with both bat and ball. He has also played a vital part in several T20 leagues worldwide, including the Big Bash League, Bangladesh Premier League, and Karachi Kings in Pakistan Super League (PSL).

Being one of Pakistan's most reliable players, Wasim has always been ready to step up when it matters most. In recent years, he has consistently delivered match-winning performances against significant opponents like India and Australia.

In terms of statistics and achievements within tournaments, Wasim is particularly proud of being named Pakistan's T20 player of the year in 2017. He finished that year as the top-ranked bowler in the ICC T20I rankings. Moreover, he became the first Pakistani spinner to take a five-wicket haul in T20Is during a match against West Indies in Dubai.

Playing Role and Skills

Imad Wasim is an exceptional left-handed all-rounder who brings immense value to any team he represents on account of his versatile batting and bowling skills.

As a bowler, Wasim relies on accuracy and variation in pace rather than significant turns to trouble batsmen effectively. He possesses an unorthodox but effective bowling action described as "roo-like" skipping action that makes him challenging to read even for experienced batsmen.

With his unique style combined with tactical awareness and adaptability, Wasim often bowls during the powerplay overs and has become a vital weapon for Pakistan. His ability to bowl an in-slider with the new ball to right-handers has made him an indispensable player.

As a batsman, he brings stability to the lower-middle order and is capable of providing quick runs when required. He is also known for his running between wickets, which puts pressure on opposition fielders.

Personality and Off-the-Field Persona

Imad Wasim is a reserved individual off the field, preferring to let his performances speak for themselves rather than engaging in media hype or creating controversies.

He is known for his leadership qualities and captaincy experiences, having led Islamabad United in the PSL season before captaining Karachi Kings in three seasons. His calmness under pressure and tactical awareness have earned him respect from both teammates and opponents alike.

However, what we do know is that he married Sannia Ashfaq at Shah Faisal Mosque in Islamabad in August 2019. Apart from these tidbits about his personal life, little else is known about Imad's off-the-field personality or persona outside cricketing circles.

Legacy and Impact

Imad Wasim's unorthodox bowling action has made him a distinctive figure in the world of cricket. He is known for his ability to keep the batsmen on their toes with his varied pace, accuracy, and subtle changes in length. His impact on Pakistan cricket has been tremendous, especially in limited-overs cricket.

Wasim was instrumental in Pakistan's victory at the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy, where he picked up wickets at crucial moments in every match. His ability to score quick runs lower down the order also helped turn matches around for Pakistan.

His unique bowling style has inspired many young bowlers to experiment with their actions and come up with new deliveries. His impact can be seen in the success of slow left-arm bowlers like Krunal Pandya and Mitchell Santner, who have brought variations into their game after studying Wasim's style of play.

Recognition and Awards

Imad Wasim has received several awards during his cricketing career, starting with being named T20I Player of the Year by the PCB in 2017. He finished that year as the top-ranked bowler in T20Is.

Wasim was an integral part of the team that won Pakistan's maiden ICC Champions Trophy title in 2017; he took eight wickets at an average of 19.87 and played a vital role in both semifinal and final victories over England and India, respectively.

He was named one of five breakout stars from the 2019 Cricket World Cup by The Guardian and ESPNcricinfo for his match-winning performances.

The Karachi Kings appointed him as their captain for three seasons of PSL; under his leadership, they reached two finals.

Imad Wasim is a versatile cricketer who has made significant contributions to Pakistan cricket since his debut in 2015. He has shown tremendous potential as both a batsman and a bowler, especially in the limited-overs format. His unique bowling action has made him one of the most exciting players to watch.

His ability to bowl economically and pick up crucial wickets at crucial times has made him an integral part of the Pakistan cricket team. He was instrumental in their victory at the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy, where he won the Man of the Match award for his performance in the final against India.

Wasim's skillset extends beyond his on-field performances; he is also known for his leadership qualities. He captained Islamabad United to victory in PSL 2016 and led Karachi Kings for three seasons.

Overall, Imad Wasim's impact on Pakistan cricket cannot be overstated. His unique style of play has inspired many young cricketers to experiment with their actions and try new things. His contributions have helped Pakistan win many matches over the years, and he continues to be an essential part of their setup.

In conclusion, Imad Wasim is a dynamic all-rounder who brings great value to any team he plays for. His skill set, leadership qualities, and unique style of play make him a vital asset for Pakistan cricket.

FAQs
When did Imad Wasim get married?
Imad Wasim got married to Sannia Ashfaq in August 2019.
Has Imad Wasim scored any centuries in international cricket?
No, Imad Wasim hasn't scored any centuries yet but has been a valuable lower-order batsman for Pakistan.
What is Imad Wasim's net worth?
Imad Wasim's net worth is $ 2.6 million.
Has Imad Wasim ever played in the IPL?
No, Imad Wasim has never played in the IPL.
When did Imad Wasim made his International debut?
Imad Wasim made his international debut in May 2015.