We are here to win the World Cup and give Pakistan a gift: Imam-ul-Haq Author: Imran Asghar; Views: 1364; Date: 12-08-2012, 08:10;

We are here to win the World Cup and give Pakistan a gift: Imam-ul-Haq

• Author: Imran Asghar;  
• Views: 1364;  
• Date: 12-08-2012, 08:10;  

KheloPakistan.com got a chance to meet up with Pakistan Under-19s, Imam-ul-Haq. Sixteen year old Imam, born in Lahore made his Pakistan Under-19 debut against India in the Asia Cup. He made 88 at very good pace and followed that up by scoring 50 and 69 against Malaysia and Afghanistan respectively. Imam, then had a disappointing final against India as he only managed 10.

Nephew of Pakistani legend, Inzamam-ul-Haq, is highly thought of within Pakistani ranks. His rise to prominence has been quick, despite only playing Under-19 level this year. Playing at number 3, Imam started his World Cup with a disappointing 25; though he is confident that he can go on and achieve big.

Imran Asghar (IA): Salaam Imam, thanks for taking the time out to speak to us during such a prestigious time for you.

Imam-ul-Haq (IuH): No problems Imran bhai. It's my pleasure to be speaking to you.

IA: Tell us about your young but fledging career?

IuH: I started playing cricket and took great interest in the game. I kept playing cricket with passion and just concentrated on enjoying playing. Then this year I got a chance in PIA's Under-19 team and performed really well. My performances started to get noticed and people started to say I will get picked for the South Africa series. That never materialised, but Allah knows best for one and it might have been beneficial to my career in the end. I carried on my good form and then was selected for the Asia Cup. Then I debuted against India and scored 88. The next two games I also made half centuries. We have had 3 practise games recently and I performed too. I am now representing my country in the World Cup.

IA: You are Inzamam bhai's nephew; did you get good amount off coaching from him?

IuH: (laughs) actually no. When he saw my interest in playing cricket and taking my game seriously he didn't want to pressurise me. He didn't want me to feel that he was exerting any pressure on me, so he always has been someone who has supported the mental side of my game. He always says enjoy your cricket and the rest will take care of itself.

IA: Have you ever been told or felt that people think you have come forward as a Sirfarachi cause of your uncle being a legend of Pakistani cricket?

IuH: I’ve never really taken any notice. Pakistani cricket is always full of controversy and people always talk. Simple way to keep people quite is to show your performances which I have been doing. Now the only real time me and Inzi Chachu discuss cricket is when I feel I have a problem with technique. He always says forget them and take them out of your system, your performing and that's what matters. Throughout my life whenever I need inspiration or courage I watch a video of Chachu batting on the Internet and he gives me positive energy.

IA: You debuted against India in the Asia Cup and scored 88. How much was the pressure in such a big game?

IuH: Everyone handles pressure in their own way. I enjoy playing and scoring runs against everyone but India more so. I don't feel more pressure, I believe I rise to the occasion and look to perform and make my team win.

IA: One game is already played against Afghanistan. You had an average game, but the team dominated and won comfortably. What are Pakistan's chances here?

IuH: We have performed really well as a unit over the past months. We heard a lot of negativity before we came to the World Cup. People were saying that we will not cope in Australian conditions but we beat Australia in the three match series and now won our first game too. The thing is we are not reliant on one player to win the game. We have match winners around the team. People said that without Sami (Aslam) we are nothing but he and myself had a bad game and Babar Azam, Umer Waheed and Mohammad Nawaz came along and performed. Likewise our bowling unit is the same.

IA: You just spoke about Mohammad Nawaz, I interviewed him a month ago. I believe he has the ability to take over from Malik/Afridi in the long term. How good is he?

IuH: Nawaz is very talented. His not only a very consistent left arm spinner but also produces vital knocks in the middle order. If he keeps working hard, which he will, he has the ability for sure to play for a long time for Pakistan.

IA: Yourself? Where do you see your career in 5 years?

IuH: Every kid dreams of playing for Pakistan and I'm no different. I think I have the ability but time will tell where I end up.

IA: Your message to the people of Pakistan?

IuH: Keep us in your prayers. We are here in Ramadan and are all fasting. We know our families are praying for us and the nation wants us to win the World Cup for a third time. We know we are carrying the expectations of the whole country and want to give the nation something to cherish. InshAllah, yeh World Cup hamara hai.

IA: Thanks for your time Imam. You have the nation’s prayers and support and I for one am sure you will not let us down.

IuH: Thanks Imran bhai. Can I add you are doing a great job in promoting young talent in Pakistan. We don't get enough exposure but you are doing that. Usman Qadir is sitting next to me, who KheloPakistan have interviewed before, and he sends his regards. May Allah help you and your work be acknowledged around the country.

IA: Thanks Imam, my pleasure.