Imam-ul-Haq aware of the extra pressure of being Inzamam’s nephew 

Imam-ul-Haq is the new lad in town and has immense pressure on him as the fans are already expecting him to repeat the heroics of the ever-so-calm Inzamam. Speaking to Geo.tv in Karachi, Imam admitted that the pressure on his shoulders is a hefty one, but he takes it positively to motivate himself. He also mentioned that the failure to score runs would land him in the mouth of double criticism – for not being able to perform and for not living to Inzamam’s level.

 

“I was picked in the team on basis of my performance in Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and with Pakistan team, yet my selection was questioned and I was criticised. Allhamdulillah, I performed and proved myself but I know critics will come again the day I am not able to perform,” he said.

“To some extent, yes it is an added pressure because I am forced to think about it every time (relation with the chief selector) along with my own performance but I take it positively,” Imam added.

“I have bat in my hands to reply criticism on me. If others have to give 100 per cent, I am motivated to give 200 per cent, which is good thing for me as well,” he said.

“It is very important for a player to feel satisfied with performance. So far I am happy and satisfied with my performance and eager to do more for my country,” he said.

“Credit goes to my coaches who have invested in me. It’s my time to deliver, and I am trying my best. Failures are part of players’ career. I always try to learn from my mistakes,” said the 21-year old batsman.

Imam made it clear that he wants to feature for the national team in all three formats of the game and keep the Pakistan flag flying high. He wants to achieve the same milestones that his uncle Inzamam did and earn a similar amount of respect.

“I aim to play for Pakistan in all three formats. I know it is not easy, but I am trying my best through hard work and trying to prove myself with my performances at all levels,” he said.

“It’s my dream if I could do what Inzamam did for Pakistan. He was a match winner and won so many matches for the country. It is always my dream to do something which makes Pakistan proud,” he concluded.