Imam-ul-Haq, the opening batsman, quietly expressed his disappointment on social media after the selectors did not include him in Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy.
The selection delay stirred speculation about his inclusion, especially with Saim Ayub ruled out due to injury. However, the selectors opted to fortify the middle order, leaving Imam out of the 15-member team.
Imam took X to share his thoughts in response to his omission: “Not the outcome I expected, but the journey isn’t over. This is how life is—it’s all about growth and getting stronger with every hurdle. Patience and trust in Allah is the key!” This post reflects his resilience and hope for future opportunities.
Imam’s last One Day International (ODI) appearance for Pakistan was on October 27, 2023, against South Africa during the ODI World Cup. His most recent international game was a Test match against Australia in Melbourne in December 2023. After a series of uninspiring performances, Imam stepped back from all formats and concentrated on domestic cricket to regain his form.
Competing in the recent Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2024-25 for Multan, Imam showcased his capabilities as the third-highest run-scorer of the tournament. Over nine innings, he accumulated 635 runs at an impressive average of 79.37, including three centuries and a fifty, proving his enduring skill and determination.
Despite his domestic success, the national team’s strategy for the Champions Trophy prioritizes a strong middle-order batting lineup, featuring players like Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, and Khushdil Shah. This selection underscores the management’s intent to enhance the team’s explosive potential and depth.
The finalized squad for the Champions Trophy 2025 includes Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Rizwan (captain and wicketkeeper), Khushdil Shah, Salman Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah, representing a balanced blend of youth and experience.
