Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq had found himself amidst a massive scandal last week. A few women had posted screenshots of his misleading and manipulative WhatsApp and Instagram conversations.
Initially, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had refused to comment on this issue, calling it the player’s matter.
But, finally opening up to reporters on Monday, PCB’s Managing Director Wasim Khan said Imam was “remorseful and has apologized” for his deeds.
“Imam was remorseful and has apologized for what all has happened and admitted his mistake. He said the matter got out of hand due to a misunderstanding.
“But we told him in clear terms that, although this is his personal and private matter, we expect our players to adhere to the highest standards of ethics and discipline.”
The PCB top official also said that the board has taken the matter seriously and had a strict conversation with the batsman. After all, he is an “ambassador of Pakistan cricket and Pakistan.”
“We don’t like to comment on the personal affairs of a player, but we expect that our centrally contracted players will also show more responsibility being ambassadors of Pakistan cricket and Pakistan.”
“Hopefully we will not see such incidents again,” the PCB MD added.
Earlier, a Twitter user had accused Imam of having torrid affairs with numerous girls and exploiting them.
The user had even taken a step ahead and gone on to expose him by leaking his WhatsApp chats. Imam was also charged with serious allegations of him having cheated on many women.
Cricketers are gradually becoming controversy’s favorite children. Indian players like Mohammed Shami, KL Rahul, and Hardik Pandya too found themselves amidst career-threatening scandals in the past.
In the recently concluded World Cup 2019 tournament, Imam was a part of the Pakistani squad that stood fifth in the points table. Due to their dismal performance, they didn’t qualify for knockout stages of the tournament.
On his ODI debut against Sri Lanka, Imam became the second Pakistani batsman to score a century in his very first match.
Besides, due to his consistency, he was handed over a central contract by the PCB for the 2018-19 season.
