[VIDEOS] Imam-ul-Haq - Essential or a liability in ODIs?

[JaDed]

Next year this time he will again be back in the team opening and giving press conferences and obviously without any improvement.

 

[topspin]

T20 Cricket is good for developing your aggressive batting skills in ODI cricket. However bowling in ODIs still requires test match level bowling skills for the most part in the first 7-8 overs with T20 death bowling skills in the dead overs.

With respect to bowling in ODIs, I can see where you are coming from. You need to have the discipline and the persistence to pitch the ball on the right length consistently. I guess that’s why Haris Rauf is an ODI failure.

But it's also important to keep in mind that the best length you have to bowl in tests and ODIs are different. In tests, generally you need to bowl fuller. Otherwise all good test bowlers in this era would be good white ball bowlers. That used to be the case prior to the T20 era.

That’s why if you look at Steyn and Cummins, they are ATG level in tests but were/have been unable to replicate that same level in white ball cricket.

 

[Gullycricket]

Used to back him as he was atleast consistent. Now he's been found out but what infuriated me most about him is his attitude towards the game. He has achieved nothing yet and the way he acts bigger than the sport is embarassing

 

[topspin]

Used to back him as he was atleast consistent. Now he's been found out but what infuriated me most about him is his attitude towards the game. He has achieved nothing yet and the way he acts bigger than the sport is embarassing

I couldn’t agree more with regard to your last sentence.

This is very much the reason why out of all the players I’ve seen represent Pakistan (since 2000), he is one of the two players I’ve disliked the most. The only one who’s angered me more than him is Misbah.

He should never have been selected after saying “I am automatic selection”. Even the greats like Kohli and etc never took their place in the side for granted. Who is he to think that he deserves such entitlement.

Unlike Shariq and Mamoon, I rate the fact that you’re able to be flexible in your thinking and say it how it is.

 

[Gullycricket]

I couldn’t agree more with regard to your last sentence.

This is very much the reason why out of all the players I’ve seen represent Pakistan (since 2000), he is one of the two players I’ve disliked the most. The only one who’s angered me more than him is Misbah.

He should never have been selected after saying “I am automatic selection”. Even the greats like Kohli and etc never took their place in the side for granted. Who is he to think that he deserves such entitlement.

Unlike Shariq and Mamoon, I rate the fact that you’re able to be flexible in your thinking and say it how it is.

I liked him initially as he scored in those tough games against SA when most failed. However he failed to improvise with time and became arrogant. Teams worked him out and now he can't buy a run . It's fine to talk like Kohli if you have performances but he started talking too much. Recently he has been getting out to absolute jobbers.

 

[Kianig89]

This man should take all the blame for Pakistan's exit he failed in all the games even against AFG and this is haunting us, Fakhar on his day is a match winner shame the system is corrupt in Pakistan that there will be no accountability

 

[LegendAli]

Imam even in this world cup was consistent in the sense he would hit a few boundaries before he got out, I think in almost all the matches he played he hit at least a few boundaries including the game vs India.

Some may consider that somewhat of a decent start if you will as per his standards.

That won't cut it though otherwise even Babar would be a shining star right now but instead people are calling for his head, that too after Babar has scored a couple 50s which Imam hasn't even come close to doing himself.

Good riddance.

 

[Mamoon]

@Mamoon

Forget 25+ 100’s, we might never see parchi play for Pakistan in ODI’s again.

He will play for at least another 5-6 years. He has been a very prolific scorer for Pakistan since 2017 and gets OTT criticism because of the parchi nonsense.

Imam has played for Pakistan on merit. He is struggling a bit right now and it is perfectly fine to drop him for a few games but he will be back.

He has his weaknesses and he is not as dynamic as he should be but for our pathetic standards, he is a fine player.

There is one player who will never play an ODI for Pakistan again and his name is Sharjeel.

 

[Rana]

Imam ul Haq 4 years from now in South Africa as an opener.

What is there to gain with his 80-90 strike rate on electric pitches?

 

[Kianig89]

Imam ul Haq 4 years from now in South Africa as an opener.

What is there to gain with his 80-90 strike rate on electric pitches?

Not to mention his body weight which will inflate further 25%

 

[YousafTheBeast]

He will play for at least another 5-6 years. He has been a very prolific scorer for Pakistan since 2017 and gets OTT criticism because of the parchi nonsense.

Imam has played for Pakistan on merit. He is struggling a bit right now and it is perfectly fine to drop him for a few games but he will be back.

He has his weaknesses and he is not as dynamic as he should be but for our pathetic standards, he is a fine player.

There is one player who will never play an ODI for Pakistan again and his name is Sharjeel.

How do you improve your pathetic standards? By playing pathetic players. Sorted.

 

[Concerned]

Abdullah should be the long term replacement for Imam.

Whilst Abdullah starts as slow as Imam, he offers better stroke play and has a better ability increasing his strike rate once settled.

 

[emranabbas]

Abdullah should be the long term replacement for Imam.

Whilst Abdullah starts as slow as Imam, he offers better stroke play and has a better ability increasing his strike rate once settled.

Abdullah will probably grow with time if he is under a good captaincy, but if he's playing with "take it Deep" school of thought he will turn into another imam

 

[Cricket Warrior]

after watching the tremendous innings of fakhar, imam is looking more like a liability now because with fakhar, abdullah is also playing with good intent, Saim Ayub is also loking good and would be a preferable choice in future which means bad days are coming for Imam.

 

[JaDed]

He will play for at least another 5-6 years. He has been a very prolific scorer for Pakistan since 2017 and gets OTT criticism because of the parchi nonsense.

Imam has played for Pakistan on merit. He is struggling a bit right now and it is perfectly fine to drop him for a few games but he will be back.

He has his weaknesses and he is not as dynamic as he should be but for our pathetic standards, he is a fine player.

There is one player who will never play an ODI for Pakistan again and his name is Sharjeel.

Then Pakistan will struggle in ODIs, he isn’t improving and speaks a lot just seems like Ahmed Shehzad.

 

[Kianig89]

PCB will arrange a series with Malawi or Burkina Faso after WC, so Imam gets his average restored. He needs to work hard on short ball and flashing outside off stump

 

[BouncerGuy]

Imam will be feeling worried considering the fact that fakhar has been phenomenal in 3 games he played and Abdullah is not gonna be dropped anytime soon. Imam's place is looking like all shaky atm. He really needs to work on his game, short balls, outside off game.

 

[shehz]

Imam will be feeling worried considering the fact that fakhar has been phenomenal in 3 games he played and Abdullah is not gonna be dropped anytime soon. Imam's place is looking like all shaky atm. He really needs to work on his game, short balls, outside off game.

.also need to work on power shots, finding gaps, game awareness. Pretty much everything
Over the years, his performance on the field hasn't shown any signs of improvement, so what gives you the impression that a change is on the horizon? The truth is, he's a batsman with limited abilities and no inherent talent. That lively animated pep talk he delivered during the South Africa game—was that meant to be taken seriously? It was quite the spectacle, considering his zero contributions.

And we can't ignore his off-the-field escapades, which only makes it worse. If you're going to engage in such antics, at least let your on-field performances do the talking. Throughout his time including Asia and WC, he seemed to hide behind the shortcomings of his teammates. Fortunately, he finally got exposed, though regrettably, it happened a bit too late.

 

[Saj]

If you want to talk the talk, then you have to walk the walk.

This guy is an average batter who for one reason or another has been given a lot of opportunities, when others would not have been afforded the same number of chances if they didn't have the same 'backing'.

Will he ever change his approach as a batter? I don't think so.

 

[MANU ROY]

Imam is minnow basher

 

[BouncerGuy]

Imam has become a liability after his consistent failures in recent tournaments. Needs to go back to the domestic and work on his batting. No need to keep him with the squad.

 

[Asad T]

"The last time Imam struck at over a run a ball came in March 2022. Throughout his career, he has achieved a strike rate in excess of 100 just five times in 71 innings, two of them against Zimbabwe. None of those innings came in a World Cup match."

That is a crazy statistic and just shows how little intent he shows.

 

[Saj]

He's been found out.

Too many people were mesmerised by his ranking, his inflated average and his ability to score easy runs against the weaker teams.

Wake up and smell the coffee now.

 

[YousafTheBeast]

Firstly, I can call him one of the best openers since Saeed Anwar because his competition is other Pakistani openers and we have had some absolute clowns over the last 20 odd years. Imam is better than everyone we tried except his partner Fakhar.

Secondly, it doesn’t really matter how many teams he gets into (and he gets into quite a few) because his competition is not Indian or English openers; his competition is Pakistani openers and when you look at his competitors, he deserves to be in the team.

Thirdly, there was no reason or no logic in trying anyone else because he was performing and he continues to perform. He scored a century on his ODI debut and consistently sustained a very high average and showed ability to churn out big innings.

His SR was low but when a young opener shows the ability to play big innings you would back him to improve his SR and Imam has improved on this front. There has been a clear improvement in his strike rotation and ability to maneuver the ball into the gaps.

He is a significantly more fluent player in 2022-23 than he was in 2018-19. You don’t need stats to know this because it should be clear to anyone who has watched his career so far.

You don’t give opportunities to other players for the sake of it. Imam has not given the selectors or the team management any reason to drop him from the team and select someone because he has been consistently scoring runs.

Fourthly, Imam has a very strong impact on the team. He, along with Babar and Fakhar, is the reason why Pakistan has been consistently scoring and chasing 300+ totals over the last couple of years.

Impact is not just slogging. That is a very simplistic way of looking at things. There is still plenty of room for players like Imam in ODI cricket and it is the delusion of Pakistani supporters if they think that they have power-hitters waiting in the ranks who can outperform and outscore Imam but are not getting chances.

The only opener with genuine potential is Saim Ayub and is extremely raw right now and needs a lot of time before he is ready. He will be Fakhar’s long-term replacement not Imam’s.

My my my my.

 

[Slim]

One of the worst players i have seen to play for Pakistan. Only because of parchi and dosti yaari under saya’s umbrella he survived in the team for this long. I wouldnt keep him in even Pakistan C’s squad.

 

[mominsaigol]

Firstly, I can call him one of the best openers since Saeed Anwar because his competition is other Pakistani openers and we have had some absolute clowns over the last 20 odd years. Imam is better than everyone we tried except his partner Fakhar.

Secondly, it doesn’t really matter how many teams he gets into (and he gets into quite a few) because his competition is not Indian or English openers; his competition is Pakistani openers and when you look at his competitors, he deserves to be in the team.

Thirdly, there was no reason or no logic in trying anyone else because he was performing and he continues to perform. He scored a century on his ODI debut and consistently sustained a very high average and showed ability to churn out big innings.

His SR was low but when a young opener shows the ability to play big innings you would back him to improve his SR and Imam has improved on this front. There has been a clear improvement in his strike rotation and ability to maneuver the ball into the gaps.

He is a significantly more fluent player in 2022-23 than he was in 2018-19. You don’t need stats to know this because it should be clear to anyone who has watched his career so far.

You don’t give opportunities to other players for the sake of it. Imam has not given the selectors or the team management any reason to drop him from the team and select someone because he has been consistently scoring runs.

Fourthly, Imam has a very strong impact on the team. He, along with Babar and Fakhar, is the reason why Pakistan has been consistently scoring and chasing 300+ totals over the last couple of years.

Impact is not just slogging. That is a very simplistic way of looking at things. There is still plenty of room for players like Imam in ODI cricket and it is the delusion of Pakistani supporters if they think that they have power-hitters waiting in the ranks who can outperform and outscore Imam but are not getting chances.

The only opener with genuine potential is Saim Ayub and is extremely raw right now and needs a lot of time before he is ready. He will be Fakhar’s long-term replacement not Imam’s.

 

[Farabi]

One of the worst players i have seen to play for Pakistan. Only because of parchi and dosti yaari under saya’s umbrella he survived in the team for this long. I wouldnt keep him in even Pakistan C’s squad.

Pakistanis are obsessed with consistency. He will be back soon. No one understand the concept of strike rate and impact. There’s also false beliefs that there is no talent in domestic, which is rubbish.

 

[mominsaigol]

Pakistanis are obsessed with consistency. He will be back soon. No one understand the concept of strike rate and impact. There’s also false beliefs that there is no talent in domestic, which is rubbish.

Imam isn't even consistent.

2019 to 2023 were the biggest fraud periods for pakistan when it came to bi laterals.

Covid era started and many sides didn't want to play full strength or even play at all due to lock downs. It was t20 galore during this period but extreme lack of odi and test cause players didn't want to spend hours on the field with potential covid threats.

Imam, Rizwan and many others heavily cashed in when it comes to stat inflation in this era.

Imam in reality is a 35 avg odi and test batter with a god awful sr. No different to Nathan Mcsweeny atm, however on mcsweeney case he's crushing it in domestics and had to face bumrah 24/7. Imam gets out on rubbish

 

[Mamoon]

Imam is one of the most consistent ODI openers Pakistan have produced in the last 20 years. He has a good head on his shoulders and knows how to score runs.

It is not surprising that 0 IQ posters like the ones who have quoted me above cannot see it. He has been hard done by because he doesn’t deserve to sit out for Abdullah in ODIs and also Masood in Tests.

I have no problem with Fakhar opening ahead of him in ODIs for now but in the long-term, Imam and Saim should make a good ODI opening pair. As I said previously, Saim is the long-term replacement for Fakhar not Imam.

 

[Mamoon]

One of the worst players i have seen to play for Pakistan. Only because of parchi and dosti yaari under saya’s umbrella he survived in the team for this long. I wouldnt keep him in even Pakistan C’s squad.

Good to know that a guy who averages 48 in ODIs with 9 centuries in only 70 odd games including big hundreds in England and South Africa is one of the worst players you have seen play for Pakistan.

 

[RizwanT20Champ]

Good to know that a guy who averages 48 in ODIs with 9 centuries in only 70 odd games including big hundreds in England and South Africa is

My my my my.

at least he recognised Saim's potential already unlike "Australian" fans who gave a lot of pain to Saim and them jumped ship pretending to have forgotten making those posts.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

He is too one dimensional. Needs to expand his game by playing attacking T20 cricket before coming back to the ODI side.

He has age on his side and has a solid base to work from.

His short term goal should not be a return to the ODI side but to pick up a PSL contract.

 

[iPakistani]

Imam is a great ODI opener, rotating of the strike, boundary hitting, temperament, he has it all. Sure he can improve his SR a little but when has a Pakistani opener ever been perfect?

He's a wonderful opener and will prove it once he gets the chance again.

 

[YousafTheBeast]

at least he recognised Saim's potential already unlike "Australian" fans who gave a lot of pain to Saim and them jumped ship pretending to have forgotten making those posts.

There’s posts of @Mamoon mocking Saim Ayub, you know that right?

What I’ll say is, you can’t be a fan of Saim Ayub and a fan of Rizwan/Babar in the white ball format. It would be like me saying i love watching players like Chris Gayle and Misbah ul Haq in LOI’s.

I’ve been told I’m a hater of RizBar, but all I want from them is what you want from Saim Ayub.

RizBar fans want Saim Ayub to score those 100’s at a high strike rate, but they don’t hold the same standards for Rizwan and Babar. Why?

 

[shariqnoor]

So PCB dropped Imam in favor of Abdullah "timid" Shafique only for technique-guy to return with a hat-trick of 0's. Like who could've predicted that Shafique is a perennial failure.

 

[YousafTheBeast]

Imam is a great ODI opener, rotating of the strike, boundary hitting, temperament, he has it all. Sure he can improve his SR a little but when has a Pakistani opener ever been perfect?

He's a wonderful opener and will prove it once he gets the chance again.

No one’s asking for perfect openers, England won a World Cup picking players with high strike rates and averages from 35-40 etc.

I don’t want a 70 averaging player who has a strike rate of 80. That’s a player who’ll lose you games or have no impact on the result.

 

[Abdullah]

There’s posts of @Mamoon mocking Saim Ayub, you know that right?

What I’ll say is, you can’t be a fan of Saim Ayub and a fan of Rizwan/Babar in the white ball format. It would be like me saying i love watching players like Chris Gayle and Misbah ul Haq in LOI’s.

I’ve been told I’m a hater of RizBar, but all I want from them is what you want from Saim Ayub.

RizBar fans want Saim Ayub to score those 100’s at a high strike rate, but they don’t hold the same standards for Rizwan and Babar. Why?

Saim will not be as consistent over a long period ( unless he slows down his SR - we don't want that). Babar should be more consistent relatively, you need both types of players in your team composition .
Not sure why most fans don't get that

 

[Mamoon]

There’s posts of @Mamoon mocking Saim Ayub, you know that right?

What I’ll say is, you can’t be a fan of Saim Ayub and a fan of Rizwan/Babar in the white ball format. It would be like me saying i love watching players like Chris Gayle and Misbah ul Haq in LOI’s.

I’ve been told I’m a hater of RizBar, but all I want from them is what you want from Saim Ayub.

RizBar fans want Saim Ayub to score those 100’s at a high strike rate, but they don’t hold the same standards for Rizwan and Babar. Why?

This the cognitive limitation of one track mind fans like yourself. You lack the capacity to understand that in ODI cricket, you need both aggressive players and players who can bat long at a good tempo.

Pakistan won the 2nd and 3rd ODIs not just because of slogging but because they were able to string together long partnerships and played proper ODI cricket.

Contrary to popular belief, there is still room for classical, old fashioned ODI batting in today’s cricket. If you have got a good bowling attacking, 300-320 is defendable on any surface.

If you are conceded 350+, it is not the pitch, it is your poor bowling. A lineup of Saim, Imam, Babar, Rizwan, Salman etc. is more than good enough to score 300-320 on a good batting surface and 250-270 on a slightly tricky surface and this will be enough for Pakistan to be a very formidable team provided that they bowlers do their job.

Pakistan have got one of the best batting lineups in the world and Imam belongs in that group. You cannot keep him out of the team for Shafique who is inferior. If you want to keep him out Fakhar, no problem. However, it is absurd to write Imam off as a player based on his ODI career so far.

Sure he along with Babar failed in the 2023 World Cup but so what? England’s much more revered team full of World Cup winning players failed worse than Pakistan. Failing in one World Cup is not the end of the world. Almost ever player has had a bad World Cup in his career.

Imam has been a formidable ODI opener since his debut and he deserved to be back in the mix.

 

[khyberlion]

This the cognitive limitation of one track mind fans like yourself. You lack the capacity to understand that in ODI cricket, you need both aggressive players and players who can bat long at a good tempo.

Pakistan won the 2nd and 3rd ODIs not just because of slogging but because they were able to string together long partnerships and played proper ODI cricket.

Contrary to popular belief, there is still room for classical, old fashioned ODI batting in today’s cricket. If you have got a good bowling attacking, 300-320 is defendable on any surface.

If you are conceded 350+, it is not the pitch, it is your poor bowling. A lineup of Saim, Imam, Babar, Rizwan, Salman etc. is more than good enough to score 300-320 on a good batting surface and 250-270 on a slightly tricky surface and this will be enough for Pakistan to be a very formidable team provided that they bowlers do their job.

Pakistan have got one of the best batting lineups in the world and Imam belongs in that group. You cannot keep him out of the team for Shafique who is inferior. If you want to keep him out Fakhar, no problem. However, it is absurd to write Imam off as a player based on his ODI career so far.

Sure he along with Babar failed in the 2023 World Cup but so what? England’s much more revered team full of World Cup winning players failed worse than Pakistan. Failing in one World Cup is not the end of the world. Almost ever player has had a bad World Cup in his career.

Imam has been a formidable ODI opener since his debut and he deserved to be back in the mix.

Imam has had 2 WC's and has flopped in both. Pakistan need to develop someone else.

 

[Mamoon]

Imam has had 2 WC's and has flopped in both. Pakistan need to develop someone else.

Any player should be replaced if you can find a better alternative. However, Shafique has proved that he is not that player. It is wrong to keep Imam out of the side for an inferior version.

 

[Farabi]

This the cognitive limitation of one track mind fans like yourself. You lack the capacity to understand that in ODI cricket, you need both aggressive players and players who can bat long at a good tempo.

Pakistan won the 2nd and 3rd ODIs not just because of slogging but because they were able to string together long partnerships and played proper ODI cricket.

Contrary to popular belief, there is still room for classical, old fashioned ODI batting in today’s cricket. If you have got a good bowling attacking, 300-320 is defendable on any surface.

If you are conceded 350+, it is not the pitch, it is your poor bowling. A lineup of Saim, Imam, Babar, Rizwan, Salman etc. is more than good enough to score 300-320 on a good batting surface and 250-270 on a slightly tricky surface and this will be enough for Pakistan to be a very formidable team provided that they bowlers do their job.

Pakistan have got one of the best batting lineups in the world and Imam belongs in that group. You cannot keep him out of the team for Shafique who is inferior. If you want to keep him out Fakhar, no problem. However, it is absurd to write Imam off as a player based on his ODI career so far.

Sure he along with Babar failed in the 2023 World Cup but so what? England’s much more revered team full of World Cup winning players failed worse than Pakistan. Failing in one World Cup is not the end of the world. Almost ever player has had a bad World Cup in his career.

Imam has been a formidable ODI opener since his debut and he deserved to be back in the mix.

Let’s break down your points:

1. You don’t need both an attacking and defensive opening pair—that’s a myth. Australia opened with Head and Warner, and India with Gill and Rohit. None of them have a strike rate below 95.

2. Classical batting still has a place *if* you have a strong bowling attack. That’s a big *if* for Pakistan, given we lack a world-class spinner and reliable support for Shaheen.

3. The idea that 300-315 can be defended anywhere is false. Some grounds have a par score of 350+, while these pitches in SA offered conditions like reverse swing and turn to bowlers. Question marks still persists in batting fests.

4. Claiming Imam should return because Shafique is struggling is a strawman. Another option is trying someone new who fits the role better.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

We don't need a stylish batter.. we need someone reliable. Imam's stats show that he is one of the most reliable batters in ODI cricket so why not bring him back in place of Abdullah?

 

[Farabi]

Good to know that a guy who averages 48 in ODIs with 9 centuries in only 70 odd games including big hundreds in England and South Africa is one of the worst players you have seen play for Pakistan.

Imam isn’t the worst player to debut for Pakistan—he’d have been phenomenal 20 years ago.

But his strike rate of 83 is unacceptable in modern cricket, especially for someone batting in the Powerplay. His temperament is also questionable, as he tends to go missing in ICC events when facing full-strength teams. His record against India is even worse than Babar’s, highlighting his struggles under pressure. Additionally, his lack of a PSL contract underscores his inability to develop the explosive game now essential for ODI openers.

Pakistan already knows what Imam offers. It’s time to try someone new who can consistently deliver a strike rate of 95+ while maintaining an average of at least 35. If there is no one (I doubt it), I’d rather see Rizwan, Babar, or even KG open in ODIs, which would free up the No. 4 spot for Saud.

 

[khyberlion]

Any player should be replaced if you can find a better alternative. However, Shafique has proved that he is not that player. It is wrong to keep Imam out of the side for an inferior version.

Agree with you but it's probably best to look past imam. There is a WC in 3 years time and we should try to develop someone in that time. I am not sure if even fakhar will be available for the next WC considering the problems with PCB along with his fitness.

 

[Caved12]

Invest in a player, make him a core part of your team for years, and never drop him, even when he clearly needs to step away for a while to refocus and get his head back in the game, as all players are expected and required to do. Then, just when that player has gained the experience, skill, and maturity to give back to the team, abruptly drop him. Toss him aside into oblivion, labeling him as finished and claiming he will never make a comeback.

All of this while ignoring the years of investment and the potential he now has to contribute in so many ways. This is classic PCB and Pakistan cricket fandom, a cycle of hyping a player, prematurely discarding them, and refusing to acknowledge their value at the crucial moment.

A player averaging 48 with a strike rate of 80 plus and nearly 9 or 10 centuries should never be treated this way. He should be nurtured, backed, and kept in the system, not discarded as though his contributions mean nothing.

 

[Flat_Track_Bully]

Invest in a player, make him a core part of your team for years, and never drop him, even when he clearly needs to step away for a while to refocus and get his head back in the game, as all players are expected and required to do. Then, just when that player has gained the experience, skill, and maturity to give back to the team, abruptly drop him. Toss him aside into oblivion, labeling him as finished and claiming he will never make a comeback.

All of this while ignoring the years of investment and the potential he now has to contribute in so many ways. This is classic PCB and Pakistan cricket fandom, a cycle of hyping a player, prematurely discarding them, and refusing to acknowledge their value at the crucial moment.

A player averaging 48 with a strike rate of 80 plus and nearly 9 or 10 centuries should never be treated this way. He should be nurtured, backed, and kept in the system, not discarded as though his contributions mean nothing.

If you are chasing 350 then 60 runs from 100 balls does not cut it. He doesn't have the gears.

 

[Caved12]

You guys have been overly fixated on strike rates ever since T20 cricket became popular. There’s a reason why T20 is often called “pajama cricket.” ODI cricket, on the other hand, offers far more strategic flexibility and can be approached in many different ways, depending on the resources available.

Imam-ul-Haq deserves a spot in the squad, even if he isn’t in the playing XI. He should be available on the bench. While I’m genuinely excited to see Saim and Fakhar opening in the Champions Trophy, at this stage, Imam is simply more experienced and reliable than Abdullah Shafique.

That’s not to say Shafique isn’t improving, InshaAllah, he’ll continue to grow and perform well in the future. However, teams don’t improve when they invest in a player and then discard them at the first sign of difficulty. Consistency and thoughtful squad selection are key to long term success.

 

[shamaan]

You guys have been overly fixated on strike rates ever since T20 cricket became popular. There’s a reason why T20 is often called “pajama cricket.” ODI cricket, on the other hand, offers far more strategic flexibility and can be approached in many different ways, depending on the resources available.

Imam-ul-Haq deserves a spot in the squad, even if he isn’t in the playing XI. He should be available on the bench. While I’m genuinely excited to see Saim and Fakhar opening in the Champions Trophy, at this stage, Imam is simply more experienced and reliable than Abdullah Shafique.

That’s not to say Shafique isn’t improving, InshaAllah, he’ll continue to grow and perform well in the future. However, teams don’t improve when they invest in a player and then discard them at the first sign of difficulty. Consistency and thoughtful squad selection are key to long term success.

What if they dont want a back up opener.

 

[Rana]

You guys have been overly fixated on strike rates ever since T20 cricket became popular. There’s a reason why T20 is often called “pajama cricket

Why don’t those two curses leave this “Pajama format”?

Why don’t their fans stop making excuses for them in this format?

Why don’t their fans stop degrading all other players who potentially deserve a chance to play for Pakistan in their positions?

 

[Rana]

Imam is Pakistan’s best opener. He is no Rohit Sharma but he is one of the best we have produced in a long time.

Yes, and Saim Ayub is no look, no talent…

 

[Farabi]

Why don’t those two curses leave this “Pajama format”?

Why don’t their fans stop making excuses for them in this format?

Why don’t their fans stop degrading all other players who potentially deserve a chance to play for Pakistan in their positions?

If Fakhar is unavailable, please suggest 1-2 players who could be considered for the ODI opening pairing with Ayub. Barring Sharjeel, I agree he was a phenomenal talent but maybe time to move on now.

 

[mominsaigol]

Imam is 100x better then Abdullah. But that's not saying much.

He's another limited batsmen who lacks any boundary scoring shorts and can't play the short ball for the life of him.

However I will say this, he's still a better odi and test batsmen then Rizwan. But he's nowhere close to saim, Fakhar, Kamran, Saud, Agha, babar and many others.

 

[Rana]

You guys have been overly fixated on strike rates ever since T20 cricket became popular

Whose “you guys”?

People who watch cricket in 2024 and expect it to be played in a certain way?

 

[Rana]

If Fakhar is unavailable, please suggest 1-2 players who could be considered for the ODI opening pairing with Ayub. Barring Sharjeel, I agree he was a phenomenal talent but maybe time to move on now.

Depends on what you are looking for?

The idea even for the anchor is to have the firepower to build into a monster launcher once he gets his eye in at the crease.

That’s what the English, Australian, Indian, Kiwi and South African batsmen can do.

Can Imam and Abdullah do that? Of course not. Can Saim and Fakhar? Oh hell yes they can!

So, which one do you want? The cowards (Abdullah and Imam), or the danger men?

 

[mominsaigol]

Whose “you guys”?

People who watch cricket in 2024 and expect it to be played in a certain way?

Tbf, Strike rates in odi are a bit misleading.

Strike rate decreases if a player fails and the failure rate is much higher in odi then in t20's.

Hence alot of batters seem to have a lower sr but in reality it's much higher.

For example pointing is a solid 110 to 115 SR batter in odi. But it reads 80 due to form slump and early dismissals throughout his career.

Lots and lots of batters have a much higher Strike rate they what's shown in cricinfo because cricinfo doesn't take failures and initial speed of an innings which is slower by default into account

 

[Rana]

@Farabi I would take a punt on Saud Shaqeel as an opener in ODIs. I think he will be brilliant as an opener.



I’m not afraid to be wrong.

 

[Farabi]

Depends on what you are looking for?

The idea even for the anchor is to have the firepower to build into a monster launcher once he gets his eye in at the crease.

That’s what the English, Australian, Indian, Kiwi and South African batsmen can do.

Can Imam and Abdullah do that? Of course not. Can Saim and Fakhar? Oh hell yes they can!

So, which one do you want? The cowards (Abdullah and Imam), or the danger men?

Anchor in White Ball is a scam. We are not debating that.
We’re on the same page about matching the world’s approach and giving them a taste of their own medicine.

My question is: if Fakhar isn’t available, who steps up to pair with Saim? Do you have any ideas/names?
Would you consider someone like Mohammad Haris? Could Haider Ali be a fit? Or perhaps Omair Bin Yousuf?

 

[Rana]

Tbf, Strike rates in odi are a bit misleading.

Strike rate decreases if a player fails and the failure rate is much higher in odi then in t20's.

Hence alot of batters seem to have a lower sr but in reality it's much higher.

For example pointing is a solid 110 to 115 SR batter in odi. But it reads 80 due to form slump and early dismissals throughout his career.

Lots and lots of batters have a much higher Strike rate they what's shown in cricinfo because cricinfo doesn't take failures and initial speed of an innings which is slower by default into account

Bro strike rates and the expectations towards them changed a lot around 2006-7.

I remember Ponting was setting the tone in ODI cricket back then breezing through with run a ball 50s. Of course his grind prior to this wasn’t as fluid but he really was a player adapting to the needs of cricket every year.

 

[Farabi]

@Farabi I would take a punt on Saud Shaqeel as an opener in ODIs. I think he will be brilliant as an opener.



I’m not afraid to be wrong.

Saud Shakeel is a wonderful option. Don’t disagree on that option whatsoever.
Why not Mohammad Haris to maximize the Powerplay output.

In 2011 World Cup, India also played 7 batters with Raina at no7. The no3-no7 loaded with proper batters, so why not give Haris a Sehwag type role and license to go with no mercy.

 

[Rana]

Would you consider someone like Mohammad Haris? Could Haider Ali be a fit? Or perhaps Omair Bin Yousuf?

In T20s I have no problem with these 3.

In ODIs, I recon Pakistan need to make a big decision on this. They won’t see it right now because they seem to be getting away atm with below 300 score wins. Soon, I think normality will return and then they will be back to their outdated self.

Pakistan need to decide, how are we going to score 70-80 in the first 10? At the moment, their aim seems to be to not lose a wicket and reach 50 somehow.

 

[Farabi]

Bro strike rates and the expectations towards them changed a lot around 2006-7.

I remember Ponting was setting the tone in ODI cricket back then breezing through with run a ball 50s. Of course his grind prior to this wasn’t as fluid but he really was a player adapting to the needs of cricket every year.

I feel like SENA and India batting mindset is always 10 years ahead of Pakistan’s. We are always stuck in survival mindset and tend to ignore talent we do have available.
Sharjeel list A performance in last 3-4 years is 50+ average and 120+ strike rate. This guy was ignored for Imam. Can you believe it.

 

[Farabi]

In T20s I have no problem with these 3.

In ODIs, I recon Pakistan need to make a big decision on this. They won’t see it right now because they seem to be getting away atm with below 300 score wins. Soon, I think normality will return and then they will be back to their outdated self.

Pakistan need to decide, how are we going to score 70-80 in the first 10? At the moment, their aim seems to be to not lose a wicket and reach 50 somehow.

100%. In ICC tournament against best bowling attacks, Rizbabar will go in their shell a bit, there has to be some cushion for this middle order at the top.
I do think either Haider Ali or M.Haris can be developed.

 

[Rana]

I feel like SENA and India batting mindset is always 10 years ahead of Pakistan’s. We are always stuck in survival mindset and tend to ignore talent we do have available.
Sharjeel list A performance in last 3-4 years is 50+ average and 120+ strike rate. This guy was ignored for Imam. Can you believe it.

I can believe that. It’s Pakistan cricket. They don’t do anything right besides knowing whose pockets need to be filled up.

 

[Caved12]

What if they dont want a back up opener.

Imam is versatile enough to bat anywhere between positions 1 to 4 in ODIs. Depending on the team composition, he can consistently find ways to contribute. If the PCB does not see him as a backup opener or for any other specific role in the squad, they should still find a way to keep him in the system. The board has already invested in him, and he now has the experience and potential to further improve his game. Discarding him completely without giving him more opportunities would be premature. My earlier post was not solely about prioritizing Imam immediately or ignoring other options. It was about ensuring that his talent and potential are not wasted.

 

[Farabi]

In general, I agree with you. However, how much improvement did you see in Imam’s game from 2018 to 2023? I think he’s getting the much needed kick in the backside to enhance his game.
He’s wrongly dropped in test cricket, but right now his game is not suited to white ball.

 

[shamaan]

Imam is versatile enough to bat anywhere between positions 1 to 4 in ODIs. Depending on the team composition, he can consistently find ways to contribute. If the PCB does not see him as a backup opener or for any other specific role in the squad, they should still find a way to keep him in the system. The board has already invested in him, and he now has the experience and potential to further improve his game. Discarding him completely without giving him more opportunities would be premature. My earlier post was not solely about prioritizing Imam immediately or ignoring other options. It was about ensuring that his talent and potential are not wasted.

He is already in the system (domestic).He has to try and be aggressive and take on the bowlers.Rizwan isnt going to move down to 4 so the only positions are the oppening slots.

 

[ads101]

Don’t see much of the fuss about him now. Saim is better and fakhar will come back who is also better. So you can’t fit imam in anymore.

Imam is better than Abdullah, but that doesn’t really make much difference now.

For most of imams career Saim wasn’t old enough. Before Saim there really weren’t better alternatives that stood out.

You can’t say Sharjeel as he fixed and was out of the team for that the reason. Nothing to do with imam. Whether you personally agree with it or not the PCB board gave Sharjeel a very raw deal, either immediately perform once brought back from fixing or don’t come back. He didn’t immediately perform and PCB didn’t wait around. Probably similar to Amir’s thoughts of the PCB feeling like they were owed something from people who fixed.

 

[shehz]

Imam is versatile enough to bat anywhere between positions 1 to 4 in ODIs. Depending on the team composition, he can consistently find ways to contribute. If the PCB does not see him as a backup opener or for any other specific role in the squad, they should still find a way to keep him in the system. The board has already invested in him, and he now has the experience and potential to further improve his game. Discarding him completely without giving him more opportunities would be premature. My earlier post was not solely about prioritizing Imam immediately or ignoring other options. It was about ensuring that his talent and potential are not wasted.

No offense, but Imam has no talent or potential. Despite being invested in and groomed at an early age, largely due to his connections and a lack of better alternatives, he has shown little or no improvement. His game has remained stagnant, offering no real challenge to the opposition, with only one or two shots in his repertoire. Additionally, his off-field behavior and arrogance, as if he were the second coming of Bradman. He was a stop-gap solution, and selecting him now feels like a step backward. He reminds me of Imran Farhat, Wajahat Wasti.

While Abdullah has struggled, he at least has the ability to take on the attack and can pose more of a threat once settled. That said, I’m not a fan of his either. I would prefer giving opportunities to Fakhar, Haider Ali, Saud Shakeel, or any promising young talent. It’s time to move forward, not backward.

 

[Caved12]

No offense, but Imam has no talent or potential. Despite being invested in and groomed at an early age, largely due to his connections and a lack of better alternatives, he has shown little or no improvement. His game has remained stagnant, offering no real challenge to the opposition, with only one or two shots in his repertoire. Additionally, his off-field behavior and arrogance, as if he were the second coming of Bradman. He was a stop-gap solution, and selecting him now feels like a step backward. He reminds me of Imran Farhat, Wajahat Wasti.

While Abdullah has struggled, he at least has the ability to take on the attack and can pose more of a threat once settled. That said, I’m not a fan of his either. I would prefer giving opportunities to Fakhar, Haider Ali, Saud Shakeel, or any promising young talent. It’s time to move forward, not backward.

No offense, but players with no talent or potential don’t average 48 with 9 centuries and 20 fifties after playing 72 ODIs.

 

[Slim]

Good to know that a guy who averages 48 in ODIs with 9 centuries in only 70 odd games including big hundreds in England and South Africa is one of the worst players you have seen play for Pakistan.

Yar mamoon you have seen him bat, right? He has so many issues with his game. Plays a release shot dancing down the wicket whenever he’s bogged down by his poor strike rotation. Hes simply awful.

 

[Slim]

No offense, but players with no talent or potential don’t average 48 with 9 centuries and 20 fifties after playing 72 ODIs.

We have a few of those - they are called statpadders - who get thoroughly exposed in tournaments when teams play their proper playing 11s. These COVID kings have ruined an entire generation of cricket fans.

 

[Slim]

In general, I agree with you. However, how much improvement did you see in Imam’s game from 2018 to 2023? I think he’s getting the much needed kick in the backside to enhance his game.
He’s wrongly dropped in test cricket, but right now his game is not suited to white ball.

Ahmed Shehzad is a ten times better red ball test opener than Imam.

 

[Slim]

Imam is 100x better then Abdullah. But that's not saying much.

He's another limited batsmen who lacks any boundary scoring shorts and can't play the short ball for the life of him.

However I will say this, he's still a better odi and test batsmen then Rizwan. But he's nowhere close to saim, Fakhar, Kamran, Saud, Agha, babar and many others.

Ahmed Shehzad is better than both but i dont want any of them in the squad.

We have so many youngsters, its time to move on from these has beens.

 

[Caved12]

We have a few of those - they are called statpadders - who get thoroughly exposed in tournaments when teams play their proper playing 11s. These COVID kings have ruined an entire generation of cricket fans.

When I talk about bringing improvements, I specifically mean enhancing three key aspects:

1. Strike rotation – ensuring players keep the scoreboard ticking, especially during quiet phases.
2. Capitalizing on loose balls – showing better intent by converting opportunities into boundaries.
3. Overcoming a timid mindset – a player like Imam has the potential to bat at a much better strike rate once he gets set.

I am not asking Imam to suddenly become a Fakhar Zaman or a Saim Ayub, as that is not his natural game and it is unrealistic to expect such a transformation. However, cricket has always demanded players to evolve, especially when it comes to improving their strike rate after getting set or scoring a fifty. The second half of the innings, after settling in, is where intent matters most. That is the phase where the strike rate should improve significantly.

A player like Imam might not completely change his style, but he can absolutely refine these areas. If he rotates the strike more effectively, punishes loose deliveries, and bats with more positive intent after getting his eye in, his strike rate will improve naturally. This is not about asking him to reinvent himself, it is about optimizing his game within his strengths. I guarantee that if Imam works on these aspects, he will become a far more impactful player without compromising his natural style.

 

[Slim]

When I talk about bringing improvements, I specifically mean enhancing three key aspects:

1. Strike rotation – ensuring players keep the scoreboard ticking, especially during quiet phases.
2. Capitalizing on loose balls – showing better intent by converting opportunities into boundaries.
3. Overcoming a timid mindset – a player like Imam has the potential to bat at a much better strike rate once he gets set.

I am not asking Imam to suddenly become a Fakhar Zaman or a Saim Ayub, as that is not his natural game and it is unrealistic to expect such a transformation. However, cricket has always demanded players to evolve, especially when it comes to improving their strike rate after getting set or scoring a fifty. The second half of the innings, after settling in, is where intent matters most. That is the phase where the strike rate should improve significantly.

A player like Imam might not completely change his style, but he can absolutely refine these areas. If he rotates the strike more effectively, punishes loose deliveries, and bats with more positive intent after getting his eye in, his strike rate will improve naturally. This is not about asking him to reinvent himself, it is about optimizing his game within his strengths. I guarantee that if Imam works on these aspects, he will become a far more impactful player without compromising his natural style.

Imam got the opportunity due to his parchi, he can do whatever he wants and the things you mentioned especially but we have a lot of youngsters waiting in the wings who have long being denied chances due to Saya Mafia. Enough is enough.

Pakistani team is not the property of some family or group. We will always have new players who will be better than the previous.

Time to move on.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Imam is certainly better than Abdullah. When father comes back then there is no way Imam should be playing ahead of him. Imam can replace Abdullah 100%.

 

[m.shah]

Fakha and Saim will be openers for Champions trophy with imam as backup opener. No place for Poultry Duck Shafique.

 

[Farabi]

When I talk about bringing improvements, I specifically mean enhancing three key aspects:

1. Strike rotation – ensuring players keep the scoreboard ticking, especially during quiet phases.
2. Capitalizing on loose balls – showing better intent by converting opportunities into boundaries.
3. Overcoming a timid mindset – a player like Imam has the potential to bat at a much better strike rate once he gets set.

I am not asking Imam to suddenly become a Fakhar Zaman or a Saim Ayub, as that is not his natural game and it is unrealistic to expect such a transformation. However, cricket has always demanded players to evolve, especially when it comes to improving their strike rate after getting set or scoring a fifty. The second half of the innings, after settling in, is where intent matters most. That is the phase where the strike rate should improve significantly.

A player like Imam might not completely change his style, but he can absolutely refine these areas. If he rotates the strike more effectively, punishes loose deliveries, and bats with more positive intent after getting his eye in, his strike rate will improve naturally. This is not about asking him to reinvent himself, it is about optimizing his game within his strengths. I guarantee that if Imam works on these aspects, he will become a far more impactful player without compromising his natural style.

After playing internationally for five years, he had ample time to receive guidance and recognize the gaps in his game. That was more than enough time to make improvements. Instead, there’s been a clear regression in fitness and zero improvement in powergame. It’s time for him to return to domestic cricket and prove himself. His performance in the National T20 has shown improvement, but he needs to continue doubling down on that strike rate to stake a stronger claim.

It’s time to move on and explore other options.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Stay on topic and talk about Imam only

 

[Mamoon]

Yar mamoon you have seen him bat, right? He has so many issues with his game. Plays a release shot dancing down the wicket whenever he’s bogged down by his poor strike rotation. Hes simply awful.

Imam can work around his limitations. Same cannot be said about Abdullah.