During a PSL 2026 match, senior sports journalist Ejaz Wasim Bakhri was caught smoking on camera inside Gaddafi Stadium. The video quickly went viral, leading to public outrage and questions about whether VIPs are exempt from stadium rules, adding to a series of controversies plaguing the tournament.
During the Pakistani Super League (PSL) 2026 match between Hyderabad Kingsmen and Multan Sultans, a Pakistani journalist was spotted smoking at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Wednesday, April 1.
Hyderabad Kingsmen suffered a second consecutive defeat with a six-wicket loss at the hands of Multan Sultans. After posting a solid total of 225/5 in 20 overs, Hyderabad failed to defend it as Multan chased down the 226-run target in 18.4 overs, with Sahibzada Farhan playing a match-winning knock of 106 off 57 balls, including 8 sixes and 7 fours, at a strike rate of 185.96.
Hyderabad Kingsmen earlier lost to the defending champions Lahore Qalandars in the PSL 2026 opener at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, adding to their tough start in the tournament.
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Pakistani Journalist Caught Smoking
Amid the eighth match of the PSL 2026 between Hyderabad Kingsmen and Multan Sultans, a Pakistani journalist was among the attendees in the stands who drew the attention of the fans after being spotted having a cigarette in his hand.
In a video that went viral on social media, a senior sports journalist, identified as Ejaz Wasim Bakhri, was seen with a cigarette in his hand inside the Gaddafi Stadium stands. However, when he saw the camera pointing at him, Ejaz Wasim Bakhri quickly tried to hide the cigarette, but the clip had already gone viral.
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A Pakistani journalist was among the VIP guests for the PSL 2026 match between Hyderabad Kingsmen and Multan Sultans, as spectators were not allowed into the stadium, with the Pakistan Super League being played behind closed doors amid fuel‑saving and security measures for the tournament.
Only selected guests and officials were allowed inside the stadium, making the incident even more surprising as strict protocols were in place to ensure compliance with the PSL 2026 rules and safety measures.
‘Is Smoking Allowed in the Stadium?’
The video of a Pakistani sports journalist smoking in the stands of the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore quickly went viral on social media, especially X (formerly Twitter), with fans and cricket enthusiasts expressing shock and disappointment over the breach of stadium rules.
Taking to their X handles, fans and cricket enthusiasts slammed Ejaz Wasim Bakhri for smoking in the stadium, with many questioning whether VIPs were being given special treatment. One called it a ‘new low for Pakistan Super League standards’, while another joked about ‘Pakistan Smoking League’ as smoke seemed to take center stage over cricket.
Many called out Bakhri’s hypocrisy, noting how often he openly criticizes the players yet blatantly broke the stadium rules himself, and many demanded accountability from the PCB to ensure such incidents don’t recur.
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The ongoing Pakistan Super League season has been marred by several controversies, including a mysterious pink ball in the season opener, a ball-tampering incident involving Fakhar Zaman, Shaheen Afridi being fined for a hotel security breach, and disciplinary action against other players for off‑field issues.
It’s been just a week since the PSL commenced, but the off-controversies are already stealing headlines, raising calls for stricter enforcement by the PCB.
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