(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
PCB Recalls Imam-ul-Haq from Yorkshire Amid Stunning One-Day Cup Run
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made a surprising call to recall Imam-ul-Haq from his impressive stint with Yorkshire, where he has been in sensational form in the One-Day Cup. The in-form opener will play his final match for the county in Sunday’s semi-final against Hampshire at Scarborough before returning to Pakistan.
The 29-year-old has been one of the tournament’s standout performers, scoring 583 runs in seven matches at an average of 97.16. He ranks second on the run-scoring charts behind Hampshire’s Nick Gubbins, who has played nine games. Imam’s career-best 159 off 130 balls against Northamptonshire Steelbacks highlighted his consistency and class throughout the competition.
His remarkable tally also includes three centuries and three fifties, helping Yorkshire top their group with seven wins out of eight matches.
Yorkshire teammate James Wharton praised Imam’s impact both on and off the field. “The runs he has scored have been superb, and batting alongside him is a great learning experience,” Wharton told BBC Radio Leeds. “He’s also a great personality in the dressing room—a funny and positive presence. It’s tough that he won’t be with us if we reach the final.”
Signed in July as a replacement for India’s Ruturaj Gaikwad, Imam was initially expected to stay for the entire season, including the County Championship. However, his extraordinary performances have caught the attention of Pakistan selectors.
After missing the recent Test series against the West Indies, Imam is now being considered for a recall ahead of the October Test series against South Africa. Selectors will also monitor his red-ball form in the upcoming Hanif Mohammad Trophy, a key factor in shaping Pakistan’s Test squad.
Yorkshire will now face the challenge of filling the gap left by a player whose short stint has made a lasting impact on both the field and the team environment.
