About Imad Wasim
Full Name: Syed Imad Wasim Haider
Date of Birth: December 18, 1988
Birthplace: Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom
Position: Left-arm orthodox spinner, left-handed middle-order batter
Imad Wasim is the epitome of calmness in chaos — a player who thrives in pressure, anchors innings, and strangles oppositions with his disciplined bowling. Known for his calculated approach, Imad has grown into one of Pakistan’s most reliable T20 assets and a trusted all-rounder in limited-overs formats.
Born in Swansea, Wales, to Pakistani parents, Imad’s journey into cricket took shape when his family moved back to Islamabad, where he pursued both academics and sport. Initially on track to become a doctor, cricket’s pull proved too strong. He left medical studies mid-way to chase his dream, and Pakistan cricket would soon be better for it.
Imad made his international debut in 2015 against Zimbabwe, but it didn’t take long for fans to recognize his value. A classical left-arm spinner with variations, Imad wasn't a turner of the ball in the traditional sense — rather, his strength lay in accuracy, control, and sharp cricketing intelligence. He could choke runs in the powerplay, bowl tough overs in the middle, and out-think batters in T20s.
In 2016, Imad etched his name in the history books when he became the first Pakistani spinner to take a five-wicket haul in T20 internationals, against the West Indies. That performance was a clear indicator that Imad was here to stay, especially in the shortest format. His ability to handle high-pressure situations and deliver with unflinching focus became a recurring theme throughout his career.
With the bat, Imad played the role of a finisher. He had the composure to rebuild innings and the power to clear boundaries when needed. In several ODIs and T20Is, especially during Pakistan’s rebuilding years post-2015, Imad was often the one holding the innings together. His match-winning 49 against Afghanistan in the 2019 World Cup* remains a defining moment — where he absorbed pressure, played with maturity, and took Pakistan across the finish line.
Imad has also been a strong performer in franchise leagues around the world. Whether for Karachi Kings in the PSL — where he also captained the side — or in tournaments across the Caribbean, Bangladesh, or England, Imad’s name commands respect as a dependable all-rounder.
Often seen as a composed and strategic leader, Imad was frequently tipped to take over T20 captaincy. His leadership at Karachi Kings was praised for its calm demeanor and smart use of resources. While he wasn’t always a regular in the national setup due to selection dynamics, Imad’s performances in domestic and global leagues kept him in the conversation.
Imad announced his retirement from international cricket in 2023, only to make a stunning return in 2024, proving his passion for Pakistan cricket hadn’t dimmed. His comeback, marked by economical spells and composed batting, showed that class and calmness never go out of style.
Off the field, Imad carries himself with grace. He is articulate, thoughtful, and a strong advocate of professionalism in Pakistan cricket.
Imad Wasim remains a symbol of modern Pakistan cricket — steady, skilled, and smart. His legacy is one of quiet brilliance and unwavering control.