[EXCLUSIVE] "Fans won’t show up if we play like this": Imad Wasim

[BouncerGuy]

Imad Wasim, former Pakistan all-rounder and 2017 Champions Trophy hero, joined Saj for an exclusive interview with PakPassion, where he delivered a blunt analysis of Pakistan cricket’s struggles, outdated tactics, and the urgent changes needed to compete globally.

Imad doesn’t hold back as he critiques the team’s approach, selection blunders, and the culture of ex-players criticizing instead of offering solutions.

Main topics covered in this interview:

Outdated strategies: He criticized Pakistan’s outdated white-ball strategies, highlighting their failure to adapt to modern cricket trends.

Fan interest warning: He warned that poor performances might drive fans away from the game.

Flawed team selections: He questioned the team’s puzzling selections, particularly the lack of spinners in crucial matches.

Call for constructive feedback: He urged media and ex-players to focus on constructive solutions rather than constant criticism.

Support for Shaheen Shah Afridi: He defended Shaheen Afridi’s aggressive bowling style despite recent backlash.

Impact of poor planning: Claimed that the team’s struggles began in 2019 due to poor planning and inexperience.

Importance of experience: Highlighted the role of experience by comparing Pakistan’s squad to India’s dominance under Rohit Sharma.

Watch the full interview here:

 

[pratiktc]

Fair play Imad bhai but your 15(23) likely drove away more fans than this CT did.

 

[Croma]

Nice interview, but he's just repeated what others

 

[pakistani pride]

Always look at yourself, Imad like many other overhyped Pak players from the past 5 to 10 years run away from the hard work. Overweight and unfit. Main issue is not playing 4 day cricket - simple.

 

[Major]

The guy who couldnt chase a low total against India and lost us the match single handedly is once again making his stupid statements.

Same kind of interview was done last time aswell before the World T20 2024 and we all remember the result after that.

He was going around calling himself the best all rounder lol

 

[Major]

Always look at yourself, Imad like many other overhyped Pak players from the past 5 to 10 years run away from the hard work. Overweight and unfit. Main issue is not playing 4 day cricket - simple.

Exactly.
Have a proper first class structure in place, play that for 3-4 seasons and everything will fall back to order.

They dont want to play first class and than give lectures on others.

 

[RyanRyan10]

The guy who couldnt chase a low total against India and lost us the match single handedly is once again making his stupid statements.

Same kind of interview was done last time aswell before the World T20 2024 and we all remember the result after that.

He was going around calling himself the best all rounder lol

For a guy who was caught puffing smokes in the dressing room, he sure loves to talk alot.

He accepted he cost the team in the interview. It was a good interview. He wasn't ranting rather was constructive with his criticism.

 

[khyberlion]

He's right but he himself was an average cricketer who's memorable performances are against minnows.

 

[topspin]

He accepted he cost the team in the interview. It was a good interview. He wasn't ranting rather was constructive with his criticism.

These guys have a thing for underperforming players

If it was Babar, Rizwan or Misbah who had played this knock, we wouldn’t hear a word about it because they’re more interesting in running toxic agendas.

@Rana

 

[giri26]

Okay let me say this, there are only 3 types of Pakistan experts/ex-cricketers who comment on the cricket:
1. Ex-Players who have an agenda
2. Current players who have been overlooked and are not in favour anymore
3. YouTube experts for views and subscribers

None of the above 3 categories can give you anything constructive. You can post 100 interviews of different people and they will all sound the same as none of them can give any solutions.

 

[topspin]

He's right but he himself was an average cricketer who's memorable performances are against minnows.

Please elaborate

 

[RyanRyan10]

These guys have a thing for underperforming players

If it was Babar, Rizwan or Misbah who had played this knock, we wouldn’t hear a word about it because they’re more interesting in running toxic agendas.

@Rana

It's not just about performance. The brand of cricket they play is an outdated one. But then some fans just don't want to listen no matter how hard you try to explain them.

 

[shariqnoor]

His 15(23) was one of the worst knock in the history of Pakistan T20 cricket. However, that knock can be forgiven as well. What is unforgivable is the fact that before that knock, he used to lambast Pakistan players on television of playing outdated cricket and after that knock he continues to bash Pakistan players of playing the wrong way in T20. He has no credit in his bank to continue saying that when he himself played a 15(23) knock. If an Afridi came on TV and said that Pakistan plays outdated cricket, I would 100% believe him. But coming from Imad Wasim is laughable. Didn't even try to attack in that innings.

 

[shaz619]

Fair play Imad bhai but your 15(23) likely drove away more fans than this CT did.

Always look at yourself, Imad like many other overhyped Pak players from the past 5 to 10 years run away from the hard work. Overweight and unfit. Main issue is not playing 4 day cricket - simple.

The guy who couldnt chase a low total against India and lost us the match single handedly is once again making his stupid statements.

Same kind of interview was done last time aswell before the World T20 2024 and we all remember the result after that.

He was going around calling himself the best all rounder lol

He's right but he himself was an average cricketer who's memorable performances are against minnows.

His 15(23) was one of the worst knock in the history of Pakistan T20 cricket. However, that knock can be forgiven as well. What is unforgivable is the fact that before that knock, he used to lambast Pakistan players on television of playing outdated cricket and after that knock he continues to bash Pakistan players of playing the wrong way in T20. He has no credit in his bank to continue saying that when he himself played a 15(23) knock. If an Afridi came on TV and said that Pakistan plays outdated cricket, I would 100% believe him. But coming from Imad Wasim is laughable. Didn't even try to attack in that innings.

First off all, happened when you can’t accept criticisms in the ODI format due to someones knock in a T20 game, they are two distinct formats, Imad is a former CT winner, in-fact it is the second ODI trophy Pakistan have ever won in their history.

Secondly, has Imad been a part of the team for the past 5 years that he deserves such abuse?

As for the USA defeat; assuming you want to blame Imad for how toxic the Pakistan dressing room has been for half a decade, or how the team has been playing 90’s cricket in the modern era or that we should excuse Babar, Rizwan & co who were settled members of the team for what they did against USA because it makes perfect sense to scapegoat a player making his return after years right; does it make his criticisms any less valid?

 

[pakistani pride]

First off all, happened when you can’t accept criticisms in the ODI format due to someones knock in a T20 game, they are two distinct formats, Imad is a former CT winner, in-fact it is the second ODI trophy Pakistan have ever won in their history.

Secondly, has Imad been a part of the team for the past 5 years that he deserves such abuse?

As for the USA defeat; assuming you want to blame Imad for how toxic the Pakistan dressing room has been for half a decade, or how the team has been playing 90’s cricket in the modern era or that we should excuse Babar, Rizwan & co who were settled members of the team for what they did against USA because it makes perfect sense to scapegoat a player making his return after years right; does it make his criticisms any less valid?

Babar is the biggest culprit, with his buddy Rizwan a close 2nd for the current mess.
That does not mean Imad cant be criticized. Like many Pak players - Imad had tremendous potential and especially in the ODI format. At one time I though even as a number for 4 or 5, but he is lazy and very quickly gained weight and focused on cheap T20 games.

 

[shaz619]

Babar is the biggest culprit, with his buddy Rizwan a close 2nd for the current mess.
That does not mean Imad cant be criticized. Like many Pak players - Imad had tremendous potential and especially in the ODI format. At one time I though even as a number for 4 or 5, but he is lazy and very quickly gained weight and focused on cheap T20 games.

I don’t see the point in criticising him- it’s old news, he’s not a player Pakistan invested in over the past 5 years, Pakistan had to go back to a T20 league mercenary when they realised the diabolical situation their team was in, there’s a lot you can make from that. I think if he had been given an extended run in a more stable environment, then we’d be in a much better position to comment on his potential, opposed to basing it on a faded fella who said yeah sure why not play in another T20 tournament since you’re so desperate.

 

[pakistani pride]

I don’t see the point in criticising him- it’s old news, he’s not a player Pakistan invested in over the past 5 years, Pakistan had to go back to a T20 league mercenary when they realised the diabolical situation their team was in, there’s a lot you can make from that. I think if he had been given an extended run in a more stable environment, then we’d be in a much better position to comment on his potential, opposed to basing it on a faded fella who said yeah sure why not play in another T20 tournament since you’re so desperate.

We should criticize them all. For they are the generation that has put Pak in a very dark place. None of them had the desire or passion to grind it out. Imad of all people was seen smoking in the dressing room during a match, I mean that should have been is last match right there.

The least you can expect from a pro is being fit. He is far from being fit.

 

[shaz619]

We should criticize them all. For they are the generation that has put Pak in a very dark place. None of them had the desire or passion to grind it out. Imad of all people was seen smoking in the dressing room during a match, I mean that should have been is last match right there.

The least you can expect from a pro is being fit. He is far from being fit.

I think you would have hated the lot in the 90’s, him smoking and fitness is an ancient debate, and criticisms should be directed more appropriately with regards to the present situation and the fitness freaks who say their prayers, take their vitamins and then do Pakistan’s besti on the big stage for half a decade.

 

[TheSultan]

As usual people attacking the messenger but cannot argue against his message. What did he say that was wrong.

All people can bring up is that innings vs India. Sure he had a bad game and in reality was past it. And he might even not be a very good player overall. It doesn’t mean what he said was wrong.

we’ve seen a lot of this in world events too. People try to destroy reputations but never put much effort in to proving that what they said was wrong.

 

[pakistani pride]

I think you would have hated the lot in the 90’s, him smoking and fitness is an ancient debate, and criticisms should be directed more appropriately with regards to the present situation and the fitness freaks who say their prayers, take their vitamins and then do Pakistan’s besti on the big stage for half a decade.

which fitness freaks?

 

[topspin]

His 15(23) was one of the worst knock in the history of Pakistan T20 cricket. However, that knock can be forgiven as well. What is unforgivable is the fact that before that knock, he used to lambast Pakistan players on television of playing outdated cricket and after that knock he continues to bash Pakistan players of playing the wrong way in T20. He has no credit in his bank to continue saying that when he himself played a 15(23) knock. If an Afridi came on TV and said that Pakistan plays outdated cricket, I would 100% believe him. But coming from Imad Wasim is laughable. Didn't even try to attack in that innings.

Why don't you have the same agenda for Imam-ul-Haq? This guy by far has the most rotten mentality out of everyone in Pakistan cricket. He once said "I'm automatic selection". I've never seen any of the greats have this kind of arrogance.

 

[shariqnoor]

Why don't you have the same agenda for Imam-ul-Haq? This guy by far has the most rotten mentality out of everyone in Pakistan cricket. He once said "I'm automatic selection". I've never seen any of the greats have this kind of arrogance.

Imam ul Haq has no place in T20s. Never has. And with the emergence of Saim Ayub, Imam is finished in ODIs too. Unless Imam can strike at 100+ in ODIs, I don't think he finds himself back in ODIs.

 

[TheSultan]

His 15(23) was one of the worst knock in the history of Pakistan T20 cricket. However, that knock can be forgiven as well. What is unforgivable is the fact that before that knock, he used to lambast Pakistan players on television of playing outdated cricket and after that knock he continues to bash Pakistan players of playing the wrong way in T20. He has no credit in his bank to continue saying that when he himself played a 15(23) knock. If an Afridi came on TV and said that Pakistan plays outdated cricket, I would 100% believe him. But coming from Imad Wasim is laughable. Didn't even try to attack in that innings.

A poor innings it was, but you can’t say he was not trying to attack. He pretty much played and missed flailing outside off for the most part.

Our fans are now so simplistic - “ now let me read a scorecard…..hmmm …15 off 23 - naughty naughty he wasn’t even trying to attack”.

You want to lambast him for playing poorly, I’m with you, it was a horrendous innings where he was struggling to get bat on ball. But that doesn’t highlight any lack of intent or makes him a hypocrite. If he had done a Rizbar special - tapping the ball back to the bowler, or close fielders, then yes.

 

[TheSultan]

It seems some people would rather prove their point, than let Pakistan move on. You’ve had 4 years of uninterrupted Rizbar specials. Have you had your fill yet? Are you satisfied? We are probably the worst team in international cricket, and I’m including the associates in there too. Even if they don’t have the ability, the other associates are trying to move with the times. Some people just want to sit there and puff their chest out about two boring accumulators who have hijacked our team.

Wake up, smell the coffee, read the room. It’s done move on and embrace it. I’m looking forward to this new t20 team.

 

[shariqnoor]

A poor innings it was, but you can’t say he was not trying to attack. He pretty much played and missed flailing outside off for the most part.

Our fans are now so simplistic - “ now let me read a scorecard…..hmmm …15 off 23 - naughty naughty he wasn’t even trying to attack”.

You want to lambast him for playing poorly, I’m with you, it was a horrendous innings where he was struggling to get bat on ball. But that doesn’t highlight any lack of intent or makes him a hypocrite. If he had done a Rizbar special - tapping the ball back to the bowler, or close fielders, then yes.

Go watch his entire ball to ball. Probably only 3 deliveries in his entire innings where he tried to do something. Failed miserably anyways. You can't come here and revise history. We all saw his innings. So sit down.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Fans will not show up for sure when you are losing games left-right and centre.... Pakistan cricket is in shambles and the management needs to go now.

 

[shariqnoor]

If he had done a Rizbar special - tapping the ball back to the bowler, or close fielders, then yes.

next time watch a match first before commenting.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

A poor innings it was, but you can’t say he was not trying to attack. He pretty much played and missed flailing outside off for the most part.

Our fans are now so simplistic - “ now let me read a scorecard…..hmmm …15 off 23 - naughty naughty he wasn’t even trying to attack”.

You want to lambast him for playing poorly, I’m with you, it was a horrendous innings where he was struggling to get bat on ball. But that doesn’t highlight any lack of intent or makes him a hypocrite. If he had done a Rizbar special - tapping the ball back to the bowler, or close fielders, then yes.

It was the worst batting innings played in a Pakistani jersey without a doubt. Complete and other lack of intent. Worse than Rizbar and no urgency to even run for singles.

 

[TheSultan]

next time watch a match first before commenting.

Wow! That proved a lot. He played and missed exactly as I said!

He batted badly, that’s an ability thing. Was he wrong with what he said? Stop acting like a politician and just criticise the person. Prove what he said was wrong about the team’s approach

 

[shariqnoor]

Wow! That proved a lot. He played and missed exactly as I said!

He batted badly, that’s an ability thing. Was he wrong with what he said? Stop acting like a politician and just criticise the person. Prove what he said was wrong about the team’s approach

Played and missed? Dude you really must be something. You come here and say if Imad played the ball back to the bowler and close in fielders then yes. Now I bring receipts to the discussion showing you exactly how he played back to the bowler and to the close in fielders, you have the gall to say "he played and missed exactly like I said".

 

[TheSultan]

Played and missed? Dude you really must be something. You come here and say if Imad played the ball back to the bowler and close in fielders then yes. Now I bring receipts to the discussion showing you exactly how he played back to the bowler and to the close in fielders, you have the gall to say "he played and missed exactly like I said".

Errm where? All it shows, some plays and misses, some balls mistimed. Where’s the playing back to the bowler? It was a horrendous innings either way.

Why are you sidetracking the subject? What did he Say about our approach that was wrong?

 

[chinaman00]

Great insights from a guy who used to smoke cigarettes during a live match.

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Pakistan fans will simply turn to other sports if PCT continued their journey into the valley of oblivion

 

[m.shah]

Coming from a guy who scored 15 of 23 against India in World Cup and lost match.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Fans are already cheering for Pakistan after that hassan nawaz blitz.

These fans are also like, ONE MOMENT DOWN, NEXT MINUTE UP.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

People need to give Imad Wasim a break. I don't understand why we like to make people scapegoats.

 

[ahmadharis1]

Imad gets too much hate for that India match. Pitch was impossible to bat on and he was also playing as an allrounder and contributed 3 economical overs. Where's the hate for Shadab who was playing as a specialist batter and scored 4 off 7?

 

[topspin]

Imad gets too much hate for that India match. Pitch was impossible to bat on and he was also playing as an allrounder and contributed 3 economical overs. Where's the hate for Shadab who was playing as a specialist batter and scored 4 off 7?

Or for:

• Ifti for missing 3-4 full tosses. Can't blame the pitch for that
• Rizwan hitting 31 off 44 balls, when he had the advantage of batting against a hard new ball in the powerplay overs.

Imad's innings wasn't great but the above were the two biggest culprits for Pakistan coming up short in that run chase.

The hate for Imad exposes either the lack of cricketing acumen or their toxic agenda against Imad. When it comes to the latter, it's all from Babar/Rizwan/Misbah fans.

 

[topspin]

Played and missed? Dude you really must be something. You come here and say if Imad played the ball back to the bowler and close in fielders then yes. Now I bring receipts to the discussion showing you exactly how he played back to the bowler and to the close in fielders, you have the gall to say "he played and missed exactly like I said".

I just wish Misbah fans like yourself had the same energy after that sh1t show in Mohali during the 2011 World Cup. I watch every ball of that innings and I have also watched every ball of Imad's innings. The latter is bad but the former was unforgivable.