PSL 2026: An unexpected moment grabbed attention during the PSL 2026 clash between Hyderabad Kingsmen and Multan Sultans at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on April 1. A Pakistani journalist was seen smoking in the stands, and the clip quickly started making rounds online.
The match itself turned out to be a high-scoring thriller. Hyderabad Kingsmen put up a strong total of 225/5 in 20 overs, but it wasn’t enough in the end. Multan Sultans chased down the target in 18.4 overs, thanks to a brilliant knock from Sahibzada Farhan, who scored 106 off 57 balls, hitting 8 sixes and 7 fours at a strike rate of 185.96.
For Hyderabad, it marked a second straight loss, having already been beaten by Lahore Qalandars in the opening game of PSL 2026 at the same venue.
Viral moment sparks reaction online – 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.
Interestingly, the journalist was part of a limited group allowed inside the stadium. The PSL 2026 matches are being played behind closed doors due to fuel-saving and security measures, meaning only selected guests and officials were present. That made the incident stand out even more, considering the strict rules in place.
‘Is Smoking Allowed in the Stadium?’ Fans React Strongly
‘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.
Check out how fans reacted to the whole incident:
🚨JOKER LEAGUE FOR A REASON🚨
Sports Journalist Ejaz Bakhri was caught smoking live in the PSL 2026 match 😯
Is smoking allowed in the Stadium🧐
The standard of PSL is going down and down & will continue to be down in coming years🤡 pic.twitter.com/92JswdPjtj
— Sam (@Cricsam01) April 2, 2026
Pakistan Sports Journalist Ejaz Wasim Bakhri ( BBN Sports YouTube ) @ejazwasim Was Caught Smoking Live In The Last Night PSL Match MS Vs HK.
Bhai Sabb Players Ko Bahut Gyan Pelte Hai Aur App Suttabajji Stadium 🏟️ Me Baith Ker Kerte Hai. #PSL
— Gurtej Singh (@GGurtej) April 2, 2026
Pak propagandist sports journalist Ejaz Bakhri who is the pet dog of Army Clown Moshin Naqvi these days was caught smoking live in the last night #PSL match…Is smoking allowed in the stadiums in PAK or was he given the special treatment by Naqvi becz he is Naqvi’s lapdog? pic.twitter.com/2mWr4dNeKL
— Cover Drive (@day6596) April 2, 2026
Is smoking allowed in the Stadium during the PSL matches?
He kept on blabbering nonsense to get Naseem Shah banned for life
Will PCB now ban him for life?
The stadium doors should be closed on this guy.. @thePSLt20 #PSL pic.twitter.com/RY7NFpZ0ar
— CRITICAL (@CRITICISM123) April 2, 2026
Smoking live on air? That’s not coverage, that’s a new low for Pakistan Super League standards 😵💫
At this point, Ejaz Bakhri isn’t reporting cricket—he’s embarrassing it on a global stage.— Crickupdate (@maulikchauhan13) April 2, 2026
PSL = Pakistan Smoking League 😭🚬
Match se zyada smoke signals chal rahe hain.
— UnfilteredIndia (@kuchh_ankahi) April 2, 2026
@MohsinnaqviC42 didn’t allow people of Pakistan to enter the stadium so that his pet dogs can smoke easily there. https://t.co/YLHo0UNua3
— Nur Khan Ka Bholari (@NaaKareinJanaab) April 2, 2026
PSL 2026 sees growing list of controversies
The ongoing Pakistan Super League season has already seen its share of off-field issues. From the mysterious pink ball in the opener to the ball-tampering case involving Fakhar Zaman, and even fines handed to Shaheen Afridi for a hotel security breach, the tournament has been full of talking points.
It’s still early in the season, but the controversies are already making as many headlines as the cricket itself, leading to growing calls for stricter action from the PCB.
