Imad Wasim: The Welsh-Born All-Rounder Who Nearly Became a Doctor
Imad Wasim was a medical student who walked away from his studies the moment Pakistan’s Under-19 team came calling. He went on to become the first Welsh-born cricketer ever to represent Pakistan internationally.
Swansea, and an early move to Islamabad
Syed Imad Wasim Haider was born on 18 December 1988 in Swansea, Wales. His parents moved back to Pakistan while Imad was still very young, and he grew up entirely in Islamabad.
Medicine, or the Under-19 team — not both
Imad was studying medicine when Pakistan’s Under-19 selectors came calling, and he abandoned his medical studies entirely. He was part of the Pakistan side that won the 2005-06 Under-19 World Cup.
International recognition finally arrives, in 2015
Imad didn’t earn his first Pakistan caps until 2015. He was a key member of the Pakistan squad that won the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy, serving as vice-captain.
The retirement, un-retirement, re-retirement cycle
He first announced his retirement in November 2023, reversed it in March 2024 for the T20 World Cup, then announced retirement for a second time in December 2024.
A genuinely enormous T20 body of work
Across his career, Imad has played over 300 T20 matches worldwide across more than 25 franchises.
Family life
Imad married Sannia Ashfaq in August 2019; the couple had two children. More recently, reports have indicated Imad remarried, to Nyla.
Where his career stands
Imad Wasim’s career is a study in quiet consistency — a medical student who gave up his studies for cricket, the first Welsh-born player to ever represent Pakistan.
Quick facts
Full name: Syed Imad Wasim Haider | Born: 18 December 1988, Swansea, Wales | Role: Left-handed all-rounder, slow left-arm orthodox spin | Notable: First Welsh-born cricketer to represent Pakistan, 2017 Champions Trophy winner and vice-captain, T20I Player of the Year, over 300 career T20 wickets across more than 25 franchises worldwide.
Frequently asked questions
How old is Imad Wasim?
Born on 18 December 1988, Imad Wasim is in his late thirties as of 2026.
Was Imad Wasim really born in Wales?
Yes — making him the first Welsh-born player to represent Pakistan internationally.
Has Imad Wasim retired from cricket?
Yes — after a back-and-forth, he retired for a second and final time in December 2024.
What is Imad Wasim’s playing style?
A left-handed all-rounder who bowls slow left-arm orthodox spin.
Did Imad Wasim play Test cricket?
No — his entire international career was in ODIs and T20Is.
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Researched and fact-checked against official league, federation and governing-body sources. Reviewed by Makhdoomzada Zaeem Muhammad, Founder & Editor, PinLivescore.