All-rounder Imad Wasim is in the news for a different cause after Islamabad United defeated Multan Sultans in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024 final. After his outstanding performance, the cricket player—who was instrumental in Islamabad winning the championship—was seen on video puffing on a cigarette in the changing room.
Imad received praise from the crowd for his outstanding performance on the field following his amazing five-wicket haul in the last match. His off-field behavior, though, provoked discussion on social media.
When television footage showed Imad smoking a cigarette in the dressing room during the 18th over of the Multan innings, cricket fans around the world responded in a variety of ways. Some supporters were upset that he decided to smoke, while others supported him by pointing out that professional sports come with a lot of pressure and that people need time to unwind.
How come our players smoke so carelessly? Hamza Mir came first, and now Imad Wasim? A social media user expressed her disappointment on the microblogging site X. Admittedly, even the most devoted supporters of the cricket player had to concede that it was a bad idea to smoke in front of the camera. “It still amazes me that Imad got [a] fifer and went to the dressing room just to smoke a cigarette,” another commenter remarked. Why was he thinking that? As if a camera would miss him. Who is this insane?
How are our players so casual with smoking??? FIRST hamza mir now imad wasim? 🥲
— Ezza (@EzzaSyed) March 18, 2024
Others immediately sprang to his support, arguing that the occurrence wasn’t very unusual. An opposing post stated, “You are very innocent if you think Imad Wasim smoking cigarettes in the dressing room is a big issue.” “A lot of things happen in the dressing rooms during Pakistan’s domestic season.”
You are very innocent if you think Imad Wasim smoking cigarettes in the dressing room is a big issue. There happens alot in the dressing rooms during domestic season of Pakistan!😅#PSL9
— Arfa Feroz Zake (@ArfaSays_) March 18, 2024
“Take away the 5-fer and still Man of the Final,” said one person who posted an image of Imad with the message, “Takeaway from me.” Another cricket fan wrote, “This new character arc is intriguing even for a veteran, like me.” With a humorous caption reading “Key to success,” a photo of English cricketer Ben Stokes smoking to reduce his anxiety before the 2019 World Cup has begun to circulate once more. Imad Stokes.
Take away the 5-fer and still Man of the Final pic.twitter.com/JZWRVQ9iKM
— Osman Samiuddin (@OsmanSamiuddin) March 18, 2024
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