Pakistan cricket is never short on drama, but the recent statements of Imam-ul-Haq have added a whole new layer to the conversation. In a candid interview, the 28-year-old opening batter pulled no punches as he criticized the teamโs selection process and reflected on what he described as the โworst stateโ of Pakistan cricket in his seven-year career.
Whatโs Going Wrong?
Imam-ul-Haq didnโt shy away from addressing the elephant in the roomโthe inconsistent selection policies. According to him, favoritism and a lack of uniform criteria are at the heart of the teamโs struggles.
โIf one player gets 15 matches to prove himself and another with similar talent only gets three, youโre setting yourself up for trouble,โ Imam explained. He believes this โliking and dislikingโ culture not only undermines fairness but also destroys playersโ confidence.
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From Confidence to Collapse
Itโs no secret that Pakistanโs performances have been shaky in recent months. Imam highlighted key moments, like the shocking loss to the USA and a heart-wrenching collapse against India in a match that seemed firmly in Pakistanโs grasp.
โYou get into a winning position, needing just a run-a-ball, and then lose. Moments like these kill confidence,โ he said, clearly frustrated.
Imam-ul-Haq also pointed out that only victories can restore the morale of the team. โWins are crucial. Itโs the only way to stop this downward spiral,โ he added.
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Imam admitted he wasnโt part of the squad during the T20 World Cup but shared unsettling stories heโd heard. โI feel some things were worse than what happened in the ODI World Cup,โ he revealed.
While he discussed these issues with captain Babar Azam, Imam emphasized that thereโs a difference between hearing about something and experiencing it firsthand.
Imamโs criticism is a reflection of deeper issues in Pakistan cricket. However, he remains hopeful that with the right approach and a few wins under their belt, the team can turn things around.
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