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Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq found himself embroiled in a heated exchange with fellow cricketer Ahmed Shehzad during an appearance on comedian Tabish Hashmi’s talk show “Haarna Mana Hay.” The show, which centred around Pakistan’s prospects in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024, also featured retired cricketer Imran Nazir.
Ahmed Shehzad’s allegations over Pakistan skipper Babar Azam
The discussion took a contentious turn when Shehzad accused Babar Azam of favouritism in team selection, suggesting that Azam’s preferences were influencing the composition of the team. Shehzad claimed that this bias led to the exclusion of deserving players and perpetuated a culture where senior players consistently made the playing XI, thereby limiting opportunities for younger talents. He stressed the importance of performance in major tournaments, pointing out Pakistan’s lack of success in ICC events since their Champions Trophy win.
“Speaking of Babar Azam, there is friendship. Look, he is carrying players from a long run. The players are out of form for a long time. It doesn’t look good. If I count the number of matches, you’ll realize players don’t get that long run. If there was any other captain, he wouldn’t have carried players for 35-40 games. He should have thought about himself,” Shehzad was quoted a saying by the Sportskeeda.
“We don’t play cricket to win bilateral series but to win ICC events. Did we win any event in the last 4-5 years? If we didn’t win, I would say there are gangs, friendships, and tola with an agent, who has been manipulating cricket for the last 4-5 years,” the 32-year-old stated.
Furthermore, Shehzad questioned the reappointment of Babar Azam as captain over Shaheen Afridi, implying unfairness in the decision-making process.
“They [Sarfaraz Ahmed and Co.] produced the results, won the Champions Trophy. It justifies, you also win this event and justify. However, you’ve got a longer run, one captain doesn’t get five events. You were removed and then brought back. It’s wrong with Shaheen, you made him captain for two matches and then you removed him,” the Lahore-born cricketer stated.
Also WATCH: Pakistan skipper Babar Azam mocks teammate Azam Khan’s physique during a training session
Imam ul Haq’s defense and Shahzad’s aggressive response
In response, Imam defended Babar’s captaincy, emphasizing that his reinstatement was a decision made by the cricket board rather than a personal choice by Babar. Imam refuted Shehzad’s claims by highlighting Pakistan’s commendable performances in recent T20 World Cups, which he argued demonstrated team cohesion and competence.
“Babar was removed without his consent and reinstated without his consent as well. The board re-appointed him as captain. In 2021, we reached the semifinals. Later in 2022, we played the final, which means there were performances. We didn’t win, that can be a debate. We didn’t click in the final. You can say Babar likes these lot of players but terming it as friendship is quite personal,” Imam said.
The debate escalated as Shehzad insinuated that Imam’s defense of Babar was influenced by contractual obligations. Imam countered by reminding Shehzad that concerns about team selection should have been addressed during his active playing career rather than post-retirement.
“We understand that Imam is in a central contract, he is young. We spoke the same when were at his age. I’m 34, sick and tired of things. We want things to be better. When you drag players for 4-5 years, you do wrong with those performing in domestic. Someone else takes their rights,” Shehzad replied.
Viral moment
The exchange reached its peak when Imam delivered a sharp retort, implying that unlike Shehzad, he wouldn’t criticize the PCB years later. This remark was a clear reference to Shehzad’s past disagreements with the board. The clip of this heated exchange quickly went viral on social media, with fans applauding Imam ul Haq for his robust defense of Babar and his pointed rebuttal to Shehzad.
“I am in a central contract. I have been playing for the last 6-7 years but I promise you that when I’ll be 36, my stand will be the same. If someone has a problem, they can speak if they are 28 as well. Why don’t you say that?,” Imam concluded.
Best friend of Babar Azam, Imam Ul Haq owned Ahmed Shehzad 🥹
Well Done Imam pic.twitter.com/6uFXbCRQZH
— Jalaad 🔥 حمزہ (@SaithHamzamir) June 4, 2024
Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2024
As the debate continues to generate buzz, Babar and the Pakistan team are focused on their T20 World Cup campaign. They are currently in the United States of America (USA), preparing for their opening match against the co-hosts USA on June 6, followed by a highly anticipated clash against arch-rivals India on June 9 at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York.
