Pressure of being Inzamam’s nephew motivates me: Imam ul Haq

KARACHI: Pakistan’s young batting sensation Imam ul Haq has admitted that being nephew of Inzamam ul Haq adds pressure on him, but he takes this pressure as a motivational factor for himself to do better every time.

Speaking to Geo.tv in Karachi, Imam said that he’s aware of the fact that the day he’s out-of-form, he’ll have to face double criticism from the people for not performing and for being Inzamam’s nephew.

“I was picked in the team on basis of my performance in Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and with Pakistan team, yet my selection was questioned and I was criticised. Allhamdulillah, I performed and proved myself but I know critics will come again the day I am not able to perform,” he said.

“To some extent, yes it is an added pressure because I am forced to think about it every time (relation with the chief selector) along with my own performance but I take it positively,” Imam added.

The 21-year-old batsman said that he’s motivated to give double than any other players to keep him going.

“I have bat in my hands to reply criticism on me. If others have to give 100 per cent, I am motivated to give 200 per cent, which is good thing for me as well,” he said.

The batsman, who scored a century on his debut against Sri Lanka earlier this year, said that he is happy and satisfied with his performance so far.

“It is very important for a player to feel satisfied with performance. So far I am happy and satisfied with my performance and eager to do more for my country,” he said.

“Credit goes to my coaches who have invested in me. It’s my time to deliver, and I am trying my best. Failures are part of players’ career. I always try to learn from my mistakes,” said the 21-year old batsman.

Replying to a question, Imam said that his dream is to play for the country in all three formats of the game and repeat what his uncle Inzamam ul Haq did for country.

“I aim to play for Pakistan in all three formats. I know it is not easy, but I am trying my best through hard work and trying to prove myself with my performances at all levels,” he said.

“It’s my dream if I could do what Inzamam did for Pakistan. He was a match winner and won so many matches for the country. It is always my dream to do something which makes Pakistan proud,” Imam added.