Flooded with female fans’ messages after debut century, says Imam
October 23, 2017
SHARJAH: Pakistan’s latest batting sensation Imam-ul-Haq became all the rage after cracking a memorable century on his ODI debut against Sri Lanka, becoming only the second Pakistani and 13th batsman in the world to achieve the feat.
The inning triggered praises from cricket circles around the world and, as the bashful Imam admitted, hundreds of messages from female fans for the young batsman.
“After I scored the century I received calls and messages of congratulations from around 300-400 female fans. My social media was [flooded]. Finally I switched off my mobile internet,” laughed Imam, as he spoke to Geo News ahead of the fifth and final ODI.
“I hadn’t even imagined scoring a century on debut. I’m happy I could be of use to the team. I’m thankful to all my fans for their encouragement,” said the 22-year-old, who also happens to be the nephew of chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq.
Imam said he was driving when he received the news he had been selected in the team.
“I was driving when my brother broke the good news to me. I couldn’t think what to do. I kept thanking God.”
The batsman admitted he received criticism because of his relation to Inzamam, but said he answered the critics with his bat and would continue to work hard to make his own name in the game.
Imam said it has been his childhood dream to win a World Cup for Pakistan. “In any format, I want to win a World Cup for my team. It’s my childhood dream.”
To a question, he said he enjoys great understanding with all the players but he is especially impressed by Shoaib Malik. I’m also inspired by Younis Khan’s work ethic and mental toughness, he added.
Imam said he is very watchful of his diet. “My mother cooks for me but I don’t eat [the food] and that annoys her,” he said, shaking his head.
A self-proclaimed movie buff, the young batsman said he likes to pass free time by watching movies.
