Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq has expressed his readiness to captain the national side if offered the opportunity, describing the role as the ultimate honour for any cricketer. Speaking on the sidelines of the National Cricket Academy’s Red-Ball Camp in Lahore, the left-handed batter said he has gained valuable leadership experience by captaining domestic teams over the past two to three years and would seriously consider leading Pakistan in any format.
Imam's Stance on Captaincy
“Captaining Pakistan in any format is a great opportunity and a dream for every player,” Imam said. “I’ve been leading teams in domestic cricket for the last two to three years. If such an opportunity comes my way, I will definitely consider it.” The 29-year-old, who has represented Pakistan in 27 Tests, 75 One-Day Internationals and two T20 Internationals since his debut in 2017, also reaffirmed his commitment to all three formats despite currently being a regular member of the Test squad.
Commitment to All Formats
Responding to the Pakistan Cricket Board’s recently introduced format-specific central contract system, Imam said he has no intention of specialising in a single format. “I don’t prioritise any one format. I want to perform for Pakistan in all three formats, and each of them is equally important to me,” he said. The PCB’s new contract system categorises players based on their primary format, but Imam remains focused on contributing across Tests, ODIs and T20Is.
Domestic Leadership Experience
Imam has captained teams in domestic competitions such as the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and Pakistan Cup, which he believes has prepared him for higher responsibilities. He emphasised that leading a side at the domestic level has taught him how to handle pressure and manage players, skills that are essential for international captaincy. The left-handed opener also praised the Red-Ball Camp for helping players adapt to the longer format, especially with Pakistan’s upcoming Test series against Bangladesh.
Background and Career Highlights
Imam-ul-Haq made his international debut in 2017 and has since been a consistent performer in ODIs, averaging over 48 in the format. In Tests, he has scored four centuries and eight fifties. Despite being a regular in the Test squad, he has not played a T20I since 2019. However, he remains optimistic about making a comeback in the shortest format. The PCB’s new central contracts, introduced in July 2023, offer higher retainers for players who specialise, but Imam’s comments suggest he values versatility over financial incentives.
