Former Pakistan captain offers advice to Imam-ul-Haq ahead of India clash

Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez has given some valuable advice to top-order batter Imam-ul-Haq ahead of the highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match against arch-rivals India.

Imam-ul-Haq was called up to the Pakistan squad as a replacement for opener Fakhar Zaman, who was ruled out of the tournament due to an injury sustained during the match against New Zealand in Karachi on February 19.

Hafeez expressed his confidence in Imam's abilities but also pointed out the need for the left-handed batter to improve his strike rate.

“He is a fantastic player with an impressive record in ODIs. However, the main concern is his strike rate. As an opener, the key element missing from his game is the intent to score quickly,” Hafeez explained.

Despite this, Hafeez wished Imam the best of luck and praised his character. 

"Even though he’s coming in as a replacement, he’s a strong character, and I’m confident he will make the most of this opportunity,” he added.

Imam-ul-Haq last played in an ODI during the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023, where he faced South Africa. He has accumulated 3,138 runs in 72 ODIs at an average of 48.3, including nine centuries and 20 half-centuries.

His most recent international appearance was in the Boxing Day Test against Australia in December 2023 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

Pakistan, the defending champions and hosts, started their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign with a 60-run loss to New Zealand. They will next face India in a highly awaited match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on February 23, before returning home to play Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on February 27.