Interview with Imam-ul-haq
How are you Imam? First of all, tell me about your school/early life?
I am good Alhamdulilah, well I was born in Multan and I started my studies in Multan as well. Then for higher education I came here in Lahore because we do not had some big institute there in Multan like we have here in Lahore.
What is your qualification?
I have done O levels and right now I am doing my i.com from Punjab College Lahore.
When and why you started to play cricket?I never thought to be a cricketer I mean my focus was on studies that is why I came here in Lahore from Multan for studies. I was student of Beaconhouse School System and exactly there I started to playing cricket, the atmosphere of beaconhouse for sports was really awesome I really enjoyed playing cricket in my school. My school coach Saud Khan told me that you can play for Pakistan, you have some good skills on the other side my Uncle (Inzamam-ul-haq) was a star batsman, so I was watching him and my interest for cricket was developing day by day. So yes you can say I started my cricket just because of school and my uncle.
Why Pakistan lost under-19 world cup 2014? You were the part of that final XI against South Africa.
I think I have given this answer many time anyways, I have participated in two world cups but I am really sad for the last one (Dubai) because conditions were just similar to Pakistan and team Pakistan was performing so well but the main reason of defeat was our middle order because our middle order was not clicking, all the teams were attacking to our opening pair which was me and Sami Aslam. We had some big partnerships like we made 418 runs in first four matches. So all the teams were targeting me and my partner Sami because they knew their middle is not performing and we were all out on 130 and lost.
Why Pakistan lost under-19 world cup 2014? You were the part of that final XI against South Africa.
I think I have given this answer many time anyways, I have participated in two world cups but I am really sad for the last one (Dubai) because conditions were just similar to Pakistan and team Pakistan was performing so well but the main reason of defeat was our middle order because our middle order was not clicking, all the teams were attacking to our opening pair which was me and Sami Aslam. We had some big partnerships like we made 418 runs in first four matches. So all the teams were targeting me and my partner Sami because they knew their middle is not performing and we were all out on 130 and lost.
Which kind of advises your senior players give you?
It’s a massive advantage to play with your senior players and I have played for Lahore Lions and in Lahore Lions we have many test players like Kamran Akmal, Mohammad Hafeez, Wahab Riaz, Aizaz Cheema e.g. Recently yes I also played some matches for IDP’s and I really enjoyed there as well. My senior players always give me some good advises they always motivate me.
It’s a massive advantage to play with your senior players and I have played for Lahore Lions and in Lahore Lions we have many test players like Kamran Akmal, Mohammad Hafeez, Wahab Riaz, Aizaz Cheema e.g. Recently yes I also played some matches for IDP’s and I really enjoyed there as well. My senior players always give me some good advises they always motivate me.
Has the board discussed with you about your goals and future plans?
They have told me that after world cup 2015 we have a slot of some cricketers which can play for Pakistan like Me, Sami Aslam, Zafar Gohar, Usman Qadir, Zia-ul-haq and Babar Azam. I know right after the world cup the selectors will set an eye on us.
Which is your favorite shot?
Ahh! My favorite shot is cut shot, I love to play it especially against the pacers.
Which is your favorite shot?
Ahh! My favorite shot is cut shot, I love to play it especially against the pacers.
Who is your favorite player in Pakistan?
Younus Khan is always my favorite player see he made 177 today as well in crucial time.
Who is your favorite player in world?
AB de Villiers is my favorite player in world.
Who is your favorite bowler?
Younus Khan is always my favorite player see he made 177 today as well in crucial time.
Who is your favorite player in world?
AB de Villiers is my favorite player in world.
Who is your favorite bowler?
James Anderson is my favorite bowler he can move the bowl so well.
You made 88 on your debut (under-19) against India what were your feelings?
You know I have never felt that kind of pressure in my life so far when you are playing against India you would be in pressure do not know why but I made 88 as you know I was feeling proud while representing Pakistan and yes I was in pressure you know a debut match and against India.
You made 88 on your debut (under-19) against India what were your feelings?
You know I have never felt that kind of pressure in my life so far when you are playing against India you would be in pressure do not know why but I made 88 as you know I was feeling proud while representing Pakistan and yes I was in pressure you know a debut match and against India.
Why Pakistan team has an opening issue?
I am sure that’s the issue of technique. in sub continent most of the young opening players have not good technique I would to give an example of Shikhar Dhawan who was so good in the start but when he went to South Africa and England he is totally flop. So yes it’s the issue of techniques.
Who is your Favorite opener in current Pakistani team?
Definitely Ahmad Shahzad, he is a good find for Pakistan. I have done opening with him when I was in Lahore Lions he is good opening player.
Which kind of facilities Pakistan cricket board gives you?
PCB is so good with the under-19 players I am telling you my experience which is really good. PCB really does take care of us they are giving us monthly healthy salary which is good enough for us. When we have any tour they tell us to stay in NCA because they do not want to see us in any problem just before any match/tour. I would like to give an example here, a player Awais who was just ready to go on a tour to England just before the tour doctor told us he has hepatitis so PCB afford all the expensive which were approximately 3 to 4 lacs. PCB always gives us other facilities like the protocol and medical e.g.
Why we cannot chase a target over 250?
When I was not a cricketer I always thought that Pakistan could chase the target over 250 but now I know our weakness. There are many weakness in us while chasing and the main reason is we do not have strong competition in domestic I would like to give an example of Sanju Samson who is in squad of India ODI against England he is just under 20 but his confidence level would be higher because he has played against many big players in IPL I remember he was playing so good against Dale Steyn in IPL, so you can guess his confidence level would be so higher because he know what is the difference to share dressing room with local and international players. Here in Pakistan we do not have so much tours like our junior players cannot play even with the Pakistan stars.PCB should arrange Pakistan A tours on daily basis.
Why our domestic cricket is not so good?
When I was not a cricketer I always thought that Pakistan could chase the target over 250 but now I know our weakness. There are many weakness in us while chasing and the main reason is we do not have strong competition in domestic I would like to give an example of Sanju Samson who is in squad of India ODI against England he is just under 20 but his confidence level would be higher because he has played against many big players in IPL I remember he was playing so good against Dale Steyn in IPL, so you can guess his confidence level would be so higher because he know what is the difference to share dressing room with local and international players. Here in Pakistan we do not have so much tours like our junior players cannot play even with the Pakistan stars.PCB should arrange Pakistan A tours on daily basis.
Why our domestic cricket is not so good?
If I talk about Quaid-e-Azam trophy then it’s so good because all the players prefer to play the tournament but in the end of season we always play in Punjab which is always foggy and what you can expect from a batsman in foggy conditions. You tell me can you play to Junaid Khan in foggy conditions?
ME: Well I cannot play him on flat wickets (Laughs)
Have you any solution for the goodness of domestic cricket?
Yes the biggest reason is the bowl issue as you know in our domestic cricket we do not use kookaburra bowl and when you go on international level you even cannot handle the real bowl. I would give an example of Usman Khan who was outclass here in a t2o tournament but when he got his call for Pakistan he knew he would have to bowl with kookaburra and results are in front of you he could not even swing a single bowl. PCB should arrange a real kookaburra bowl for all the domestic matches. Then they should tell to all the seniors to play domestic cricket so the juniors can play with them.
Your thoughts about Pakistan Super League?
I am waiting for PSL desperately I wish we can manage a league like IPL and I am sure we will in sha ALLAH. PCB is working on it and I am hopeful.
PSL should arrange in Pakistan. Don’t you think?
No, I think in Pakistan we have not good circumstances for PSL, you tell me have we good circumstances? PCB is good with this decision.First season of PSL would bestart in UAE let the world know there is a thing with the name of PSL then from next year may be we can move PSL in Pakistan in sha ALLAH.
ME: Well I cannot play him on flat wickets (Laughs)
Have you any solution for the goodness of domestic cricket?
Yes the biggest reason is the bowl issue as you know in our domestic cricket we do not use kookaburra bowl and when you go on international level you even cannot handle the real bowl. I would give an example of Usman Khan who was outclass here in a t2o tournament but when he got his call for Pakistan he knew he would have to bowl with kookaburra and results are in front of you he could not even swing a single bowl. PCB should arrange a real kookaburra bowl for all the domestic matches. Then they should tell to all the seniors to play domestic cricket so the juniors can play with them.
Your thoughts about Pakistan Super League?
I am waiting for PSL desperately I wish we can manage a league like IPL and I am sure we will in sha ALLAH. PCB is working on it and I am hopeful.
PSL should arrange in Pakistan. Don’t you think?
No, I think in Pakistan we have not good circumstances for PSL, you tell me have we good circumstances? PCB is good with this decision.First season of PSL would bestart in UAE let the world know there is a thing with the name of PSL then from next year may be we can move PSL in Pakistan in sha ALLAH.
Ok let me come to the polite way now, what do you do in free time?
I always play badminton in free time I do not remember when I missed to play badminton any day. I play badminton daily at night outside of my house. I also like to watch movies.
Which is your favorite movie?
Umm.. 3 Idiots is my favorite film.
Which is your favorite movie?
Umm.. 3 Idiots is my favorite film.
Who is your favorite actor?
Shah rukh Khan is my favorite actor.
Shah rukh Khan is my favorite actor.
Any favorite actress?
I like all actresses. (Laughs)
I like all actresses. (Laughs)
Which kind of food do you like?
I like spicy foods, I love Biryani.
I like spicy foods, I love Biryani.
Okay Imam Thanks for your precious time, any message for your fans?
Please remember me in your prayers and keep motivating me I am nothing without my all fans. In sha ALLAH you are going to see a good opening player in the face of me. I would never disappointed you guys love you all!
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