Here’s Why Imam-ul-Haq’s Selection Should Not Be Questioned

Corruption, nepotism and favouritism; although completely deplorable, still remain a huge part of cricket including Pakistan’s.

Imam-ul-Haq, who is the nephew of current selection committee head Inzamam-ul-Haq, has been targeted due to this very reason.

Many people claimed that Shan Masood and Mohammad Rizwan, due to their splendid domestic performance, deserved a place ahead of Imam. While that may be true on paper, that is flawed logic, to begin with.

Imam, has now scored 905 runs at an average of 64.64 in the 17 matches he has played. His statistics at the international stage are more than impressive enough to warrant a place in the starting XI.

As for the comparison with rest of the players, while there may be outstanding performers on the domestic level, assuming they will replicate the same form on the international stage is a huge leap of faith.

Imam-ul-Haq Set to Equal a World Record

Likes of Shahid Afridi and Abdul Razzaq have upheld Pakistan’s reputation as one of the most explosive teams in the world of cricket. The current opening pair; Imam-ul-Haq and Fakhar Zaman both are preserving that image.

Fakhar Zaman, who scored Pakistan’s first-ever 200 runs in one-day internationals against Zimbabwe, became the world’s fastest player to reach 1000 runs in international cricket.

Fakhar reached the mark in his 18th ODI inning and currently, Imam has 905 runs from 17 innings, which means Imam will have to score 95 runs in his next innings if he is to equal the world record.

Here is how his one-day international career looks like:

The likes of Rashid Latif have termed Imam as one of the mentally strong players in international cricket. According to the legendary cricketer, “Had Imam been an ordinary player, he would have succumbed to the media pressure and the allegations of nepotism.”

Nepotism or not, this is indeed a start of a great career for Imam. Instead of stirring controversies, as fans, our primary goal should to support and celebrate all those who are making the country proud.