When you think of Pakistan cricket, names like Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi often come to mind. But if you’ve followed white-ball cricket closely over the past decade, you know that Imad Wasim has been one of Pakistan’s most reliable and underrated performers. With his left-arm spin, handy batting skills, and calm presence under pressure, he’s played a crucial role in Pakistan’s modern-day cricket journey.
In this deep dive, let’s explore Imad Wasim’s profile, career highlights, batting and bowling stats, and what makes him such an important figure in Pakistan cricket.
Imad Wasim – Quick Profile
-
Full Name: Imad Wasim
-
Date of Birth: December 18, 1988 (36 years old)
-
Birthplace: Swansea, Glamorgan, Wales
-
Height: 1.86 meters (6 ft 1 in)
-
Role: Bowling Allrounder
-
Batting Style: Left-handed bat
-
Bowling Style: Slow left-arm orthodox
-
Country Represented: Pakistan
Fun fact: Did you know Imad Wasim was actually born in Wales, making him one of the few Pakistan cricketers born in the UK? His family later moved to Pakistan, where he developed his cricketing skills.
Why Imad Wasim Stands Out
Imad is not your typical flashy cricketer. He doesn’t smash sixes like Shahid Afridi or bowl express pace like Shoaib Akhtar. Instead, he brings something equally valuable: control and consistency.
-
With the ball, he’s known for his tight economy in the powerplay overs of T20s.
-
With the bat, he’s a reliable lower-order player who can stabilize the innings or provide quick runs when needed.
-
His composure under pressure has earned him the reputation of being “Mr. Dependable” in crunch moments.
Imad Wasim’s Batting Stats
Even though Imad is mainly recognized for his bowling, his batting contributions can’t be ignored.
ODI Batting Stats
-
Matches: 55
-
Innings: 40
-
Runs: 986
-
Highest Score: 63
-
Average: 42.87
-
Strike Rate: 110.3
-
50s: 5
What stands out here is his high batting average for a lower-order player. Scoring at a strike rate above 100 while averaging 40+ makes him a very handy asset in ODIs.
T20I Batting Stats
-
Matches: 75
-
Innings: 50
-
Runs: 554
-
Highest Score: 64
-
Average: 15.83
-
Strike Rate: 130.05
-
50s: 1
In T20Is, Imad often bats down the order, so his opportunities are limited. Still, his strike rate above 130 shows he can accelerate when the team needs quick runs.
Imad Wasim’s Bowling Stats
This is where Imad has truly made his mark. He’s not a big turner of the ball but relies on accuracy, flight, and variations to keep batters guessing.
ODI Bowling Stats
-
Matches: 55
-
Wickets: 44
-
Best Figures: 5/14
-
Bowling Average: 44.48
-
Economy Rate: 4.89
His economy rate under 5 in ODIs is impressive, especially in an era where run rates are constantly climbing.
T20I Bowling Stats
-
Matches: 75
-
Wickets: 73
-
Best Figures: 5/14
-
Bowling Average: 21.75
-
Economy Rate: 6.20
-
Strike Rate: 21.04
These are excellent numbers for T20 cricket. An economy rate of just 6.20 is world-class, especially for someone who bowls during the toughest overs.
Career Timeline – From Debut to Now
Let’s walk through some of the key milestones in Imad’s career.
-
T20I Debut: May 24, 2015, vs Zimbabwe at Gaddafi Stadium
-
ODI Debut: July 19, 2015, vs Sri Lanka at R. Premadasa Stadium
-
Last ODI: November 1, 2020, vs Zimbabwe at Rawalpindi
-
Last T20I: June 16, 2024, vs Ireland at Central Broward Regional Park
Although he never got a chance to play Test cricket, Imad has been a white-ball specialist for Pakistan. His presence in limited-overs cricket has been crucial, especially during Pakistan’s Champions Trophy 2017 victory.
Biggest Achievements of Imad Wasim
-
Champions Trophy 2017 Winner – Part of the squad that famously defeated India in the final.
-
T20 Powerplay Specialist – His ability to keep things tight early in the innings has earned him praise from captains and analysts worldwide.
-
Consistent Franchise Player – Imad has played in leagues like the Pakistan Super League (PSL), The Hundred, and others, proving his global demand.
-
Captaincy Experience – He has captained Karachi Kings in the PSL, showing his leadership qualities.
Imad Wasim in Franchise Cricket
Imad’s impact isn’t limited to international matches. In the Pakistan Super League (PSL), he’s been a key figure for Karachi Kings, both as a player and captain.
-
Known for smart tactical decisions.
-
Often bowls the first over of the innings to apply pressure.
-
Handy with the bat, especially in tight chases.
He has also played in international T20 leagues, making him a sought-after allrounder across the world.
Style of Play – Calm, Smart, and Effective
Unlike aggressive allrounders who try to dominate, Imad is more of a tactician. He bowls stump-to-stump, gives nothing away, and forces batters into mistakes. With the bat, he picks his moments—rotating the strike or going for the big shot when needed.
This calm approach makes him a captain’s dream, especially in high-pressure T20 games.
Challenges in Imad’s Career
Like every cricketer, Imad has faced ups and downs:
-
Limited opportunities in ODIs after 2020.
-
Never featured in Test cricket despite his skills.
-
Had to compete with Pakistan’s strong pool of allrounders.
Yet, he has managed to stay relevant in franchise cricket and continues to be a fan favorite.
Also Read : Babar Azam Profile – Age, Career Info & Stats
Why Fans Admire Imad Wasim
-
Consistency – Rarely goes for too many runs.
-
Versatility – Can adapt to any batting or bowling situation.
-
Leadership – Calm and composed, whether captaining or supporting.
-
Match-winner – His 5/14 in both ODIs and T20Is stand as proof of his game-changing ability.
Conclusion
Imad Wasim may not always grab headlines, but he’s the kind of cricketer every team needs. Whether it’s holding one end with his bowling, adding valuable runs at the death, or guiding young players with his experience, Imad has been a silent backbone of Pakistan’s white-ball cricket.
At 36, he’s in the later stage of his career, but his skills—especially in T20 leagues—mean he’s far from done. Expect to see more of Imad in global franchise cricket, and perhaps even a few more appearances in green for Pakistan.
