Imam-ul-Haq

{{Infobox cricketer

| name = Imam-ul-Haq

| image = Imam-ul-Haq, Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, 1st ODI, 2017.jpg

| caption = Imam-ul-Haq in October 2017

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1995|12|22|df=yes}}{{cite web |url=https://www.pcb.com.pk/player/imam-ul-haq--25755.html |title=Imam-ul-Haq |work=Pakistan Cricket Board |access-date=22 December 2020}}

| birth_place = Multan, Punjab, Pakistan{{cite web |url=https://www.samaaenglish.tv/news/40010216|title=Imam-ul-Haq reveals special connection with Multan ahead of West Indies ODIs |work=Samaa|access-date=11 June 2022}}

| height = 5 ft 9 in[https://www.sportskeeda.com/player/imam-ul-haq Imam-ul-Haq's profile] on Sportskeeda

| batting = Left-handed

| bowling = Right arm leg break

| role = Top-order batter

| family = Inzamam-ul-Haq (uncle)

| international = true

| internationalspan = 2017–present

| country = Pakistan

| testdebutdate = 11 May

| testdebutyear = 2018

| testdebutagainst = Ireland

| testcap = 231

| lasttestdate = 26 December

| lasttestyear = 2023

| lasttestagainst = Australia

| odidebutdate = 18 October

| odidebutyear = 2017

| odidebutagainst = Sri Lanka

| odicap = 215

| lastodidate = 2 April

| lastodiyear = 2025

| lastodiagainst = New Zealand

| T20Idebutdate = 5 May

| T20Idebutyear = 2019

| T20Idebutagainst = England

| T20Icap = 81

| lastT20Idate = 8 November

| lastT20Iyear = 2019

| lastT20Iagainst = Australia

| club1 = Lahore Shalimar

| year1 = 2012/13

| club2 = Khan Research Laboratories

| year2 = {{nowrap|2014/15–2015/16}}

| club3 = Habib Bank Limited

| year3 = 2016/17–2017/18

| club4 = Peshawar Zalmi

| year4 = 2019–2022

| clubnumber4 = 26

| club5 = Balochistan

| year5 = 2019–2023

| club6 = Somerset

| year6 = 2022

| columns = 4

| hidedeliveries =

| column1 = Test

| matches1 = 24

| runs1 = 1,568

| bat avg1 = 37.33

| 100s/50s1 = 3/9

| top score1 = 157

| deliveries1 = 12

| wickets1 = 0

| bowl avg1 = –

| fivefor1 = –

| tenfor1 = –

| best bowling1 = –

| catches/stumpings1 = 21/–

| column2 = ODI

| matches2 = 74

| runs2 = 3,151

| bat avg2 = 47.02

| 100s/50s2 = 9/20

| top score2 = 151

| deliveries2 = –

| wickets2 = –

| bowl avg2 = –

| fivefor2 = –

| tenfor2 = –

| best bowling2 = –

| catches/stumpings2 = 16/–

| column3 = FC

| matches3 = 84

| runs3 = 5,453

| bat avg3 = 43.27

| 100s/50s3 = 15/25

| top score3 = 202*

| deliveries3 = 174

| wickets3 = 2

| bowl avg3 = 43.00

| fivefor3 = 0

| tenfor3 = 0

| best bowling3 = 1/4

| catches/stumpings3 = 53/–

| column4 = LA

| matches4 = 114

| runs4 = 4,642

| bat avg4 = 44.20

| 100s/50s4 = 10/33

| top score4 = 151

| deliveries4 = 28

| wickets4 = 0

| bowl avg4 = –

| fivefor4 = –

| tenfor4 = –

| best bowling4 = –

| catches/stumpings4 = 25/–

| source = http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/568276.html Cricinfo

| date = 2 April 2025

}}

Imam-ul-Haq{{efn|{{langx|ur|{{Nastaliq|امام الحق}}}}}} ({{IPA|ur|ɪmaːm ʊl ɦəq|pron}}; born 22 December 1995){{Cite web |date=21 August 2023 |title='Mental torture'-Imam-ul-Haq says 'parchi' chants have prevented parents from watching him play for Pakistan |url=https://www.wisden.com/series/icc-mens-cricket-world-cup-2023-24/cricket-news/imam-ul-haq-mentally-tormented-parents-play-live-parchi-chants-asia-cup-2023 |access-date=15 April 2025 |work=Wisden}} is a Pakistani international cricketer who plays for the Pakistan National Cricket Team.{{cite web |url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/692382 |title=Meet the new faces in the Pakistan Test squad |access-date=22 May 2018 |work=International Cricket Council}} In his first One Day International (ODI), against Sri Lanka, he became the second batter for Pakistan, and thirteenth overall, to score a century on debut.{{cite web |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/records/233754.html |title=Records / One-Day Internationals / Batting records / Hundred on debut |access-date=19 October 2017 |work=ESPN Cricinfo}}{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/18037/report/1120288/ |title=Hasan five-for, he debut ton sink Sri Lanka |access-date=18 October 2017 |work=ESPN Cricinfo}} In August 2018, he was one of 33 players to be awarded a central contract for the 2018–19 season by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).{{cite web|url=https://www.pcb.com.pk/press-release-detail/pcb-central-contracts-2018-19.html |title=PCB Central Contracts 2018–19 |work=Pakistan Cricket Board |date=10 January 2014 |access-date=6 August 2018}}{{cite web |title=New central contracts guarantee earnings boost for Pakistan players |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/new-central-contracts-guarantee-earnings-boost-for-pakistan-players-1154598 |access-date=6 August 2018 |work=ESPN Cricinfo}}

Domestic career

In the final of the 2016–17 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, he scored 200 not out batting for Habib Bank Limited.{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/1047971.html |title=Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, Final: Habib Bank Limited v Water and Power Development Authority at Karachi, Dec 10–15, 2016 |access-date=14 December 2016 |work=ESPN Cricinfo}} In the final of 2017–18 National T20 Cup, he scored 59 not out batting for Lahore Blues, and was named man of the match.{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/1125661.html |title=Final (D/N), National T20 Cup at Rawalpindi, Nov 30 2017 |access-date=30 November 2017 |work=ESPN Cricinfo}}

In July 2022, he was signed by Somerset to play in their final four matches of the County Championship in England.{{cite web|url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/425997-imam-ul-haq-roped-in-by-somerset-county-cricket-club |title=Imam-ul-Haq roped in by Somerset County Cricket club |work=Geo News |access-date=4 July 2022}}

Imam-ul-Haq has had a notable domestic cricket career in addition to his international achievements.

In the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Imam-ul-Haq has been a valuable asset to his franchise. His consistent performances and impactful contributions have made him a key player in the league. His batting prowess and ability to anchor innings have not only brought success to his team but have also earned him recognition among PSL enthusiasts.{{cite web|url=https://www.psl-t20.com/|title=PSL - Pakistan Super League|publisher=PSL - Pakistan Super League|access-date=January 2, 2024}}

Apart from his PSL endeavors, Imam-ul-Haq has showcased his skills in various domestic competitions, further solidifying his reputation as a reliable and skilled cricketer.

International career

In October 2017, he was named in Pakistan's ODI squad for their series against Sri Lanka.{{cite web |title=Imam-ul-Haq called up to Pakistan's ODI squad |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/imam-ul-haq-called-up-to-pakistan-s-odi-squad-1123085 |access-date=6 October 2017 |work=ESPN Cricinfo|date=6 October 2017 }} On his ODI debut against Sri Lanka on 18 October 2017, he scored an ODI century and was named man of the match.{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/1120288.html |title=3rd ODI (D/N), Sri Lanka tour of United Arab Emirates and Pakistan at Abu Dhabi, Oct 18 2017 |access-date=18 October 2017 |work=ESPN Cricinfo}} He became the second Pakistan batter after Saleem Elahi to score an ODI hundred on debut.{{Cite web|url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/163418-imam-scores-century-on-debut-becomes-2nd-pakistani-to-achieve-the-feat|title=Imam-ul-Haq becomes 2nd Pakistani to score century on debut|website=www.geo.tv|language=en-US|access-date=19 October 2017}}

In April 2018, he was named in Pakistan's Test squad for their tours to Ireland and England in May 2018. He made his Test debut against Ireland, on 11 May 2018.{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/1127284.html |title=Only Test, Pakistan tour of Ireland, England and Scotland at Dublin, May 11-15 2018 |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=12 May 2018}}{{cite web|url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/195109-ireland-v-pakistan-rain-washes-out-first-day-of-test-match |title=Ireland win toss, opt to bowl in historic Test against Pakistan |work=Geo TV |access-date=12 May 2018}} He scored a half century in the final innings of the match which was instrumental in the team's win.{{cite web |title=Fakhar, Imam receive maiden call-ups to Ireland, England Tests |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/fakhar-imam-receive-maiden-call-ups-for-ireland-england-tests-1143325 |access-date=15 April 2018 |publisher=ESPN Cricinfo}}

On 20 July 2018, in the fourth ODI against Zimbabwe, he and Fakhar Zaman made the highest opening partnership in ODIs, with 304 runs.{{cite web|url=https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/pakistan-vs-zimbabwe-fakhar-zaman-imam-ul-haq-break-all-time-odi-opening-partnership-record-1886828 |title=Fakhar Zaman, Imam-Ul-Haq Break All-Time Opening Partnership Record In ODIs |work=NDTV |access-date=20 July 2018}} Pakistan finished their innings at 399 for the loss of one wicket, their highest score in ODIs.{{cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1762612/7-records-galore-as-pakistan-rewrite-hi/ |title=Records galore as Pakistan rewrite history in Bulawayo |work=The Express Tribune |date=20 July 2018 |access-date=20 July 2018}} Zaman and Imam had scored 705 runs together across the series, the most by a pair in a bilateral ODI series.{{cite web|url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/787951 |title=Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq march into the record books |work=International Cricket Council |access-date=22 July 2018}}

In January 2019, during the third ODI against South Africa, Imam became the second fastest batter to score 1,000 runs in ODIs, doing so in his 19th innings.{{cite web|url=https://www.brecorder.com/2019/01/25/468934/imam-outpaces-kohli-and-azam-reaches-1000-odi-runs/ |title=Imam outpaces Kohli and Azam, reaches 1000 ODI runs |work=Business Recorder |date=25 January 2019 |access-date=25 January 2019}}

In April 2019, he was named in Pakistan's squad for the 2019 Cricket World Cup.{{cite web |title=Mohammad Amir left out of Pakistan's World Cup squad |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/mohammad-amir-left-out-of-pakistan-s-world-cup-squad-1181318 |access-date=18 April 2019 |work=ESPN Cricinfo}}{{cite web|url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/1188332 |title=Amir left out of Pakistan's World Cup squad |work=International Cricket Council |access-date=18 April 2019}} He made his Twenty20 International (T20I) debut for Pakistan against England on 5 May 2019.{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/1152840.html |title=Only T20I, Pakistan tour of England at Cardiff, May 5 2019 |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=5 May 2019}} Ahead of the Cricket World Cup, in the ODI series against England, Imam scored 151 runs in the third ODI match. This was the highest individual total for a Pakistan batter against England in a One Day International.{{cite web |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/imam-century-powers-pakistan-358-9-third-odi-163254866--spt.html |title=Imam century powers Pakistan to 358-9 in third ODI against England |work=Yahoo! Sports |access-date=14 May 2019 |archive-date=14 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190514164356/https://sports.yahoo.com/imam-century-powers-pakistan-358-9-third-odi-163254866--spt.html |url-status=dead }}

In June 2020, he was named in a 29-man squad for Pakistan's tour to England during the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite web |title=Haider Ali the new face as Pakistan name 29-man touring party for England |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/sarfaraz-ahmed-returns-haider-ali-the-new-face-in-29-man-pakistan-squad-for-england-tests-and-t20is-1224948 |access-date=12 June 2020 |work=ESPN Cricinfo}}{{cite web|url=https://www.pcb.com.pk/press-release-detail/haider-ali-named-in-29-player-squad-for-england-tour.html |title= Haider Ali named in 29-player squad for England tour |work=Pakistan Cricket Board |date= 10 January 2014 |access-date=12 June 2020}} In July, he was shortlisted in Pakistan's 20-man squad for the Test matches against England.{{cite web|url=https://www.pcb.com.pk/press-release-detail/pakistan-shortlist-players-for-england-tests.html |title= Pakistan shortlist players for England Tests |work=Pakistan Cricket Board |date= 10 January 2014 |access-date=27 July 2020}}{{cite web |title=Wahab Riaz, Sarfaraz Ahmed in 20-man Pakistan squad for England Tests |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/wahab-riaz-sarfaraz-ahmed-in-20-man-pakistan-squad-for-england-tests-1227907 |access-date=27 July 2020 |work=ESPN Cricinfo}} In July 2021, in the third match against England, he scored his 2,000th run in ODI cricket.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/pakistan-tour-of-england-2021-1239529/england-vs-pakistan-3rd-odi-1239539/match-report |title=James Vince trumps Babar Azam's 158 as England seal stunning 332 chase |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=13 July 2021}}

In March 2022, in the opening match of the series against Australia, Imam scored his first century in Test cricket.{{cite web|url=https://www.sheppnews.com.au/aap-other-sport/imam-ul-haq-seizes-second-australia-chance/ |title=Imam-ul-Haq seizes second Australia chance |work=Shepparton News |date=4 March 2022 |access-date=4 March 2022}} In the second innings, he scored another century, becoming the tenth batter for Pakistan to score a century in both innings of a Test.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/australia-in-pakistan-2021-22-1288300/pakistan-vs-australia-1st-test-1288310/match-report |title=Imam, Shafique hit tons as Test ends in tame draw |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=9 March 2022}}

On 22 August 2023, in the opening match of the 3 ODI series vs Afghanistan, Imam played a crucial inning of 61 Runs where all batting line of Pakistan collapsed at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium. Pakistan won the match by 142 runs and Imam finished the game as the leading run scorer.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/afghanistan-v-pakistan-2023-1392508/afghanistan-vs-pakistan-1st-odi-1390344/full-scorecard |title=afghanistan-v-pakistan-2023-1392508/afghanistan-vs-pakistan-1st-odi |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=22 August 2023}}

Imam was named in Pakistan's squad for the 2023 Cricket World Cup and he ended up the tournament proceedings with 162 runs in six matches.{{Cite web |title=ICC Cricket World Cup, 2023/24 batting most runs career Records |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/tournament/batting-most-runs-career/icc-cricket-world-cup-2023-24-15338 |access-date=2025-01-12 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}} In February 2025, he was approved as a late minute addition to Pakistan's squad for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy as he was added as an injury replacement to Fakhar Zaman, as the latter was ruled out of the remainder of the tournament after having played just the opening match of the high-profile tournament.{{Cite web |last=icc |date=2025-02-20 |title=Imam-ul-Haq approved as replacement for Fakhar Zaman in Pakistan squad |url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/media-releases/imam-ul-haq-approved-as-replacement-for-fakhar-zaman-in-pakistan-squad |access-date=2025-04-05 |website=www.icc-cricket.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Injured Fakhar Zaman ruled out of Champions Trophy; Pakistan call up Imam-ul-Haq |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/pakistan-news-injured-fakhar-zaman-ruled-out-of-champions-trophy-imam-ul-haq-called-up-1473916 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250308033011/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/pakistan-news-injured-fakhar-zaman-ruled-out-of-champions-trophy-imam-ul-haq-called-up-1473916 |archive-date=2025-03-08 |access-date=2025-04-05 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}} During Pakistan's highly anticipated group stage match against arch-rivals India, his comical runout stirred meme materials across social media platforms and his nature of runout drew wide comparisons with his uncle Inzamam-Ul-haq's spate of run outs during his playing career.{{Cite web |date=2025-02-23 |title='Does It Run In The Family?' - Imam-ul-Haq's Run Out Record Draws Comparisons To Uncle Inzamam {{!}} Champions Trophy 2025 {{!}} Cricket News Today |url=https://www.wisden.com/series/icc-champions-trophy-2025/cricket-news/does-it-run-in-the-family---imam-ul-haqs-run-out-record-draws-comparisons-to-uncle-inzamam |access-date=2025-04-05 |website=Wisden |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Imam-ul-Haq's Run-Out Against India Triggers Epic 'Inzamam-ul-Haq Memes'. Watch {{!}} Cricket News |url=https://sports.ndtv.com/icc-champions-trophy-2025/imam-ul-haqs-run-out-against-india-triggers-epic-inzamam-ul-haq-memes-watch-7775699 |access-date=2025-04-05 |website=NDTVSports.com |language=en}} He was runout albeit which came off as a bullet throw resulting in a direct hit even before Imam had breached the crease to complete the run and it marked the sixth such instance where Imam had run himself out since his debut in the format.

On 5 April 2025, Imam copped a heavy blow on his face in a freak accident in the middle of the pitch during the third and final ODI match between Pakistan and New Zealand.{{Cite web |title=Freak incident forces Pakistan batter Imam-ul-haq to retire hurt in third ODI against Black Caps |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/360642398/freak-incident-forces-pakistan-batter-imam-ul-haq-retire-hurt-third-odi-against-black-caps |access-date=2025-04-05 |website=www.stuff.co.nz}} He was desperately running towards the danger end to cross the crease to complete a quick single to protect his wicket, but quite unexpectedly he was injured when a ball was thrown to the keeper's end in a pickup throw by a New Zealand fieldsman but it hit his helmet grill.{{Cite web |date=2025-04-05 |title=Imam ul Haq hospitalised as New Zealand whitewash Pakistan in Bay Oval |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/imam-ul-haq-injury-new-zealand-vs-pakistan-2704439-2025-04-05 |access-date=2025-04-05 |website=India Today |language=en}} He was stretchered straightaway after complaining about the feeling of discomfort and rushed to the hospital from the pitch and he was subsequently replaced by Usman Khan as a concussion substitute who was approved during the run chase of 263 to win in a rain-curtailed fixture.{{Cite web |date=2025-04-05 |title=WATCH: Imam-ul-Haq forced to retire hurt after freak injury where ball snuck into helmet |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/watch-imam-ul-haq-forced-to-retire-hurt-freak-injury-9926590/ |access-date=2025-04-05 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2025-04-05 |title=Pakistan Bring In Concussion Sub For Second Successive Game After Opener's Freak Injury {{!}} NZ Vs PAK {{!}} Cricket News Today |url=https://www.wisden.com/series/new-zealand-vs-pakistan-m-2025/cricket-news/pakistan-bring-in-concussion-sub-for-second-successive-game-after-openers-freak-injury |access-date=2025-04-05 |website=Wisden |language=en}}

Personal life

He was born in Multan, Punjab, on 22 December 1995 to a Syed Haryanvi Muslim family. His family had moved from the city of Hansi in Punjab Province, British India (now in Haryana, India) during the Partition of India.{{cite web|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/story/inzamam-ul-haq/203599 |title=Inzamam-ul-Haq, 28 May 1997 |work=Outlook India |access-date=4 February 2020}} He is the nephew of former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/41674139 |title=Imam-ul-Haq: Pakistan great Inzamam's nephew hits debut 100 against Sri Lanka |access-date=18 October 2017|work=BBC Sport|date=18 October 2017 }}{{cite web |title=Imam-ul-Haq set for 'dream' Pakistan Test debut |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/imam-ul-haq-set-for-dream-pakistan-test-debut-1145953 |access-date=9 May 2018 |work=ESPN Cricinfo|date=9 May 2018 }}

In November 25th 2023, Imam ul Haq tied the knot with Anmol Mehmood in Lahore. His wife Anmol is a resident of Norway and a doctor by profession.https://www.india.com/photos/sports/meet-anmol-mehmood-wife-of-star-pakistan-batter-she-works-as-a-moved-to-norway-for-imam-ul-haq-426419/navigating-a-long-distance-relationship-426423/

= Tv Show =

During T20 world cup 2024, Imam signed as one of expert panelist member (Ahmed Shehzad, Imran Nazir) in Geo News show Harna Mna Hy hosted by Tabish Hashmi. {{notelist}}