The experienced opener responds to being overlooked for Pakistan’s squad with a reflective note on resilience and faith.
February 3, 2025: Opening batter Imam-ul-Haq has shared a cryptic yet introspective message following his exclusion from Pakistan’s squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy. The defending champions were the last team to announce their 15-member roster, sparking significant speculation about Imam’s potential inclusion.
Rumors swirled after opener Saim Ayub was ruled out due to injury, raising hopes for Imam’s return. However, the management opted for Fakhar Zaman alongside Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel as potential opening combinations. The squad also leaned heavily on middle-order options, including Kamran Ghulam, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, and Shakeel, leaving no room for Imam.
In response, Imam shared a reflective post on X (formerly Twitter):
“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!”
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!🤍 pic.twitter.com/0nMevB7tTo
— Imam Ul Haq (@ImamUlHaq12) February 1, 2025
Recent Performance
Imam last appeared for Pakistan in an ODI against South Africa during the 2023 ODI World Cup and in a Test match against Australia in December 2023. Following a dip in form, he was dropped from the national side but shifted focus to domestic cricket.
Representing Multan in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2024-25, Imam showcased impressive form, finishing as the third-highest run-scorer with 635 runs in nine innings at an average of 79.37, including three centuries and a half-century.
Pakistan Squad for Champions Trophy 2025
- Openers: Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel
- Middle-Order: Kamran Ghulam, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah
- All-Rounders: Faheem Ashraf, Salman Agha
- Wicketkeeper-Captain: Mohammad Rizwan
- Bowlers: Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah
While Imam’s recent domestic resurgence has caught attention, Pakistan’s management appears focused on a balance of experience and firepower for the Champions Trophy. Imam’s journey, however, is far from over, as his latest performances underline his determination to regain a spot in the national team.
Tags:
- Imam-ul-Haq
- Pakistan Cricket
- Champions Trophy 2025
- Fakhar Zaman
- Babar Azam
- Pakistan Cricket Team Updates
- Quaid-e-Azam Trophy