PSL Drama Unfolds: Hafeez Raises Eyebrows Over Imad and Faheem's Performance

The former Pakistan captain, Mohammad Hafeez, has expressed uncertainty regarding all-rounder Imad Wasim's performance in a recent closely contested match between Islamabad United and Peshawar Zalmi in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) season nine.

Hafeez, currently playing for Islamabad after eight seasons with Karachi Kings, has raised concerns about Imad's role within the team. In an interview on a local sports channel, Hafeez questioned Imad's effectiveness, pointing out that he only scored 1 run and failed to take any wickets in the match.

"I don't understand Imad's impact at all. As a bowler, and as a batter, he is nowhere in the PSL. There are higher expectations from Imad," remarked Hafeez.

Hafeez also observed the diminishing impact of Faheem Ashraf in recent PSL seasons. Similar to Imad, Faheem had a difficult time during the game, scoring only one run and failing to take any wickets.

"Faheem's impact seems to have decreased over the past few PSL seasons. The total out-of-form performance of Faheem and Imad is dragging Islamabad United down from a bowling point of view," added Hafeez.

In the 13th match, Peshawar Zalmi emerged victorious, thanks to Babar Azam's century and Arif Yaqoob's five-wicket haul. Peshawar set a target of 202 runs and restricted Islamabad to 193/9.

Even though Colin Munro and Azam Khan built a robust partnership, Yaqoob's remarkable four-wicket over in the 19th turned the tide in favour of Peshawar. This significant moment in the PSL marked Yaqoob as the inaugural bowler to secure four wickets in a single over.

Islamabad faced setbacks in their run chase, losing early wickets. Azam Khan's remarkable 75 off 30 deliveries and Munro's contribution of 71 runs in 53 balls kept hope alive. However, Yaqoob's three wickets in the penultimate over led to a collapse in the lower order, and Islamabad fell short by 19 runs.

Peshawar's openers, Saim Ayub and Babar Azam, set a strong foundation with a 73-run partnership. Despite middle-order dismissals, Azam's explosive 18th over, featuring four boundaries and a six, propelled Peshawar to 202. Shadab Khan led United's bowling with figures of 2/28, while Naseem Shah and Salman Ali Agha claimed one wicket each.