Syed Imad Wasim Haider is a cricketer from Wales who currently represents Pakistan in ODIs and T20 internationals. He was born in Swansea, Glamorgan, Wales, on December 18, 1988.
Wasim is a bowling all-rounder who bats left-handed and bowls right arm slow orthodox. He is also the vice-captain of Pakistan’s T20 team, and he is recognised for his tenacious and pace-varying deliveries that can fox batsmen.
Background
Imad, who was born in Wales, moved to Pakistan at a young age, and his father had previously worked as an engineer in the United Kingdom. Imad started practising medicine, but was persuaded to change his mind after being called up to the Pakistani U19 team.
He was persuaded that he might walk in the footsteps of Pakistani legend Wasim Akram, but his deliveries lacked enough speed for him to be considered a fast bowler in the squad. His coach assisted him at this period by adapting his style to a chinaman-like one, which worked well for him.
Wasim batted well as well. In 2006, his mixed abilities helped the U19 team win the World Cup, where he also served as captain.
Islamabad, Islamabad Leopards, Federal Areas Leopards, Punjab Badshahs, Karachi Kings, Jamaica Tallawahs, and Stellenbosch Kings are among the teams that Wasim has played.
Debut
Imad Wasim made his international debut against Zimbabwe in a T20 match in Lahore on May 24, 2015. He just bowled two overs for 14 runs and did not get to bat.
During that series, cricket was brought back to Pakistan for the first time in six years.
Wasim made his ODI debut against Sri Lanka in Colombo on July 19, 2015. In a landslide win for Pakistan, he bowled well, picking up two wickets.
Rise to Glory
Imad made headlines a year after making his T20I debut when he became the first Pakistani player to take five wickets in a T20I match. This achievement happened against the West Indies at the Dubai Cricket Ground, and it was instrumental in Pakistan’s triumph. In the same year, Imad produced another outstanding effort against Ireland, taking his first ODI five-wicket haul in a Pakistan victory. For his deft bowling performance, he was called Man of the Match.
Imad was ranked first in the T20I bowling rankings in 2016.
Imad was a member of the victorious ICC Champions Trophy team in 2017 and was successful with both the bat and the ball. He was named the best T20 player of the year by the Pakistan Cricket Board.
Domestic Career
Imad Wasim, who has represented three Islamabad-based sides – Islamabad, Islamabad Leopards, and Federal Areas Leopards – has led the Islamabad side for a long time.
He then signed with the Punjab Badshahs for a brief period before joining the Pakistan Super League’s Karachi Kings.
Wasim was also drafted by Jamaica Tallawahs of the Caribbean Premier League in 2016, where he played a key role. He also participates in the T20 Global League for the Stellenbosch Kings in South Africa.