Imam-ul-Haq, Pakistan’s opening batsman, has raised his voice over the team’s selection process, claiming that the selectors showing favouritism and making incompatible criteria, promoting an environment of “liking and disliking” when they are selecting players.
Imam-ul-Haq represented Pakistan cricket team for more than seven years, recently during a candid interview he showed disappointment over the current situation of Pakistan cricket, claiming that he went through worst conditions in his tenure.
He expressed his views on team’s dissatisfying performances, by expressing the horrifying loss against USA will have a bad impact on the position of Pakistan in the event.
“I wasn’t in the T20 World Cup, but I’ve heard a few stories that I feel are worse than the ODI World Cup. I think only those players who were on the field can truly tell what happened,” Imam said.
The 28-year-old player highlighted that Pakistan’s recent narrow defeat to India in ICC events, particularly when the team was so near to victory but still stumbled under pressure, have significantly impacted the team’s morale and confidence.
He explained that such crucial losses badly affects team’s confidence and performance.
“Losing that match to the USA and then to India… You come to a winning situation where you need a run-a-ball and then lose from that point,” Imam further added.
Imam emphasized that victory rebuilds trust and positive energy in the team, ensuring team to play more confidently.
“A win is very important for the return of confidence. Although things are changing—captaincy has changed—and I think this happens in every country. You cannot control it. Only a win can save us from all these issues,” he said.
While talking about selection procedure, he criticised the environment of nepotism, complaining that selection panel creates inconsistent criteria while choosing players. Despite having the equal performance, some players are preferred over others, and at the end it all affects the overall team’s progress.
“We gave our players consistent chances, but we didn’t get the results in the ODI World Cup. Other sides rely on giving consistent opportunities,” Imam stated.
“If you are giving a player 15 matches while another player of similar caliber gets only three matches, then you’re creating problems for yourself. Selection criteria vary from player to player, based on liking or disliking,” he explained.
He also emphasized that such favouritism affects players confidence, while his conclusions were showing the growing dissatisfaction within the team squad.
“The confidence of every player is shaken from top to bottom. I don’t think I’ve seen Pakistan play this badly in my seven-year career. It’s our fault as well—whether it’s the one-day World Cup or Test cricket, the boys are not delivering those performances, whether it’s fitness or form,” Imam concluded.
Pakistan recently secured a 2-1 ODI series win against Australia in Australia, though they lost the T20I series against them. Currently, the team is playing in an ODI series in South Africa, leading the series by 2-0. The third odi of the series will be played on 22nd December on Sunday.
