Imad Wasim joins Islamabad United, Hasan Ali moves to Karachi Kings

LAHORE: Pakistan Super League (PSL) 5 winning captain Imad Wasim will don Islamabad United colours in the ninth edition of the tournament.

Imad, who was named as the All-Rounder of PSL 8, has been snapped by Islamabad United in the Platinum category while Hasan Ali (Diamond category) moves to Karachi Kings.

By virtue of this player trade, Karachi Kings have received Islamabad United’s first round silver pick in exchange for their second round silver pick.

The successful relegation requests from franchisees ahead of the PSL 2024 Player Draft include Lahore Qalandars’ Mirza Tahir Baig, Islamabad United’s Rumman Raees and Karachi Kings’ Mir Hamza (all Gold to Silver).

In a statement, Karachi Kings thanked Imad for his stint with the franchise. “Eight seasons of passion and dedication, steering us through victories and providing leadership that brought us a trophy and countless golden memories.

“You’ve been the heartbeat of Karachi Kings   Thank you for painting the Kings’ canvas with glory. Wishing you all the best as you begin your new journey. You’ll always be a King in our hearts.”

Earlier this month, Pakistan all-rounder Imad Wasim has retired from international cricket with immediate effect.

Wasim played for Pakistan in 55 ODIs and 66 T20s, scoring 1,472 runs overall and claiming 109 wickets with his left-arm spin — 44 in one-day internationals and 65 in Twenty20 games.

Wasim said he thought the time was right for him to quit international cricket.

“I would like to thank the PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) for all their support over the years – it has truly been an honor to represent Pakistan,” Wasim wrote on X. “Each of my 121 appearances across the ODI and T20I formats was a dream come true.

“It’s an exciting time for Pakistan cricket going forwards with new coaches and leadership incoming. I wish all involved every success and I look forward to watching the team excel.”

Wasim made his ODI debut against Sri Lanka at Colombo in 2015, but hasn’t played for Pakistan in a one-day international match since facing Zimbabwe at Rawalpindi in 2020. He played his last T20I against New Zealand in April.

Wasim thanked fans, family and friends for supporting him throughout his international career and hinted he would continue playing in T20 domestic leagues around the world.

“I now look forward to focusing on the next stage of my playing career away from the international stage,” he said.