Imam is being unfairly criticised: Inzamam

Former Pakistan Chief Selector Inzamamul Haq believes that his nephew and left-handed opener Imamul Haq is being unfairly criticised.

While sharing his thoughts in a blog published by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Inzamam said that the opener is an important part of the Men in Green but he is only criticised because of his relationship with the former chief selector.

“People unfairly single him [Imam] out for criticism, instead of the other 25 players in the squad, because of his relationship with me,” said Inzamam. “Imam is a valuable part of the side which is proven by his average, which is in excess of 50, in ODIs.”

Inzamam resigns as PCB chief selector

Inzamam also revealed the story about the first time Imam’s name came up for selection.  

“When Imam’s name was being considered for selection, I left my seat during the meeting,” he said. “Later Head Coach Mickey Arthur and Batting Coach Grant Flower requested me to include him in the squad.”  

The former Pakistan captain also spoke about players who deserved an opportunity to represent Pakistan, during his tenure, but did not get a chance.

“It is possible that I did not select players who should have been part of the Pakistan side but that was purely unintentional,” he said.

The Pakistan batting great resigned from his position as the PCB’s chief selector, last week, during a press conference at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

Inzamam’s tenure as chief selector costs PCB millions

He was appointed as the head of the selection committee in April 2016, by then PCB Chairman Shaharyar Khan.

It must be noted that Inzamam and his committee were initially contracted to work until April 30, 2019 but with the World Cup just around the corner, the PCB decided to extend the contract until July 31.

The biggest highlight of his tenure as chief selector was Pakistan’s 2017 International Cricket Council (ICC) Champions Trophy triumph.