Inzamam-ul-Haq Archives

PCB announces Hall of Fame inductions for 2024

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Friday named legendary Inzamam-ul-Haq, Misbah-ul-Haq, Mushtaq Mohammad and Saeed Anwar in the Hall of Fame for 2024.

The four greats have joined Abdul Qadir, AH Kardar, Fazal Mahmood, Hanif Mohammad, Imran Khan, Javed Miandad, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Younis Khan and Zaheer Abbas in the illustrious group.

The four icons of the game were inducted following an independent and transparent voting process, which was participated by Wasim Akram, Zaheer Abbas (both PCB Hall of Famers), Azhar Ali (former Pakistan captain), Bismah Maroof, Nain Abidi (both former women international cricketers), Majid Bhatti, Mohi Shah, Mohammad Yaqoob, Nauman Niaz, Sawera Pasha and Zahid Maqsood (cricket journalists/analysts).

The four stalwarts will be formally inducted into the PCB Hall of Fame during the course of the year when they will be presented with commemorative caps and specially-designed plaques.

Inzamam-ul-Haq played international cricket from 1991 to 2007 and was a member of Pakistan’s 1992 World Cup-winning team.

Misbah-ul-Haq represented Pakistan from 2001 to 2017, was part of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2009 winning squad and guided the team to the No.1 spot in the ICC Test Team Rankings in 2016.

Mushtaq Mohammad played for Pakistan from 1959 to 1979 and captained the team to its first-ever Test win in Australia in 1977, featured in the inaugural ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 1975 in England before coaching the Pakistan side to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 1999 final – also in England.

Meanwhile, Saeed Anwar represented Pakistan from 1989 to 2003, amassing a total of 31 centuries and 68 half-centuries, including three centuries and three half-centuries across the 1996, 1999 and 2003 World Cups.

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PCB Chair Mohsin Naqvi:

“On behalf of the Pakistan Cricket Board, I extend heartfelt congratulations to these four cricketing legends on their well-deserved inductions into the PCB Hall of Fame. This honour represents a tribute to their outstanding contributions to Pakistan cricket and to the global game.

“Mushtaq Mohammad is regarded as one of Pakistan’s finest captains, known for his astute leadership and inspiring style.

“Inzamam-ul-Haq’s immense talent and match-winning ability have left an indelible mark on the sport. Misbah-ul-Haq took charge of the Pakistan team during challenging times, guiding it to the pinnacle of Test rankings and achieving a historic series win in the Caribbean.

“Saeed Anwar, with his natural grace and classical technique, redefined the role of an opener and thrived against some of the world’s best bowlers under all conditions.

“These four giants of the game hold a special place in Pakistan’s rich cricketing history. Their contributions not only elevated the sport within Pakistan but also inspired future generations to pursue excellence.

“Their talent, charisma and unwavering commitment have made them true ambassadors of cricket and the PCB takes immense pride in honouring their accomplishments.

“Pakistan is fortunate to have produced such extraordinary players who have showcased their skill and sportsmanship on the global stage.

“I hope that our aspiring cricketers will look up to these icons and strive to follow in their footsteps, carrying forward their legacy and continuing to strengthen Pakistan’s position as a cricketing powerhouse.”

READ: Shan Masood as Pakistan Test Captain: A Game-Changer or a Gamble?

Miandad, Inzamam among legends react to Pakistan’s historic defeat against Bangladesh

Legendary Pakistan cricketers including Javed Miandad and Inzamam-ul-Haq reacted to the national men’s team’s first-ever Test series defeat against Bangladesh.

The Green Shirts succumbed to a 2-0 loss in the two-match series against Bangladesh, which culminated at the Pindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

Bangladesh outclassed Pakistan by six wickets in the second Test to complete the clean sweep. The touring side had won the first Test thumpingly by 10 wickets.

Former Test captain Javed Miandad, known for his blunt remarks, expressed his disappointment specifically with the team’s batting woes while lauding the touring side for their disciplined performances.

“It is hurting that our cricket has come to this stage. Bangladesh deserve credit for their disciplined performances. But the way our batting has collapsed in this series is a bad sign,” said Miandad.

Another former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq expressed his concerns over the team’s struggle in home conditions.

“Home series were always considered our best chance of beating the best sides in the past. But for this to happen the batsmen need to get runs,” Inzamam said.

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Pakistan’s leading century-scorer in Test cricket Younis Khan emphasized that the national players need mental strengthening to overcome the losing streak at home.

“Our batters have got runs in the past but right now I think they need mental strengthening and a clear mind to overcome this crisis,” stated Younis.

Former Pakistan Test spinner Iqbal Qasim, on the other hand, asserted that the national team needs to improve in the spin-bowling department, highlighting that the national team does not feature great pacers like Wasim Akram.

“We don’t have bowlers of the calibre of Sarfaraz Nawaz, Wasim Akram, Waqar or Shoaib now. So, we should be banking on our spinners to win us Tests at home,” he said.

READ: Bangladesh captain imitates Lionel Messi after series victory over Pakistan

Former Pakistan cricketer lambasts Shami over “indecent” remarks about Inzamam

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali slammed India pacer Mohammed Shami for using “indecent” remarks about legendary batter Inzamam-ul-Haq.

Shami, on Saturday, reignited the reserve-swing debate, which started when Inzamam-ul-Haq questioned Indian pacers’ ability to reverse the ball early during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.

Indian bowlers were on a roll in the 20-team tournament, the highlight of which was when they defended 30 runs off as many deliveries in the nerve-wracking final against South Africa.

But, former Pakistan captain Inzamam, while citing Arshdeep Singh’s example, questioned how India bowlers reverse swung the ball in just the 15th over during their Super Eights fixture against Australia.

“Arshdeep Singh when he was bowling the 15th over, the ball was reversing. is it too early [for reverse swing] with the new ball? This means the ball was ready for reverse swing by the 12th or the 13th over, Umpires should keep their eyes open [to spot] these things,” stated Inzamam on a local news channel.

“If it was Pakistani bowlers [reverse swinging the ball] this would have been a big issue. We know reverse swing very well and if Arshdeep can come in the 15th over and start reversing the ball, it means some serious work had been done before,” he added.

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Inzamam-ul-Haq’s concerns did not sit well with Mohammed Shami, who in a local YouTube podcast, did not mince his words in hitting back at the former Pakistan captain.

“They had accused me of putting a device into the ball during the 2023 ODI World Cup. They recently brought out another foolish theory on Arshdeep Singh. I respect Inzamam-ul-Haq a lot, and one doesn’t expect him to make such statements. They are the ones who started this reverse swing, and when we do it, they have a problem,” Shami said.

Meanwhile, former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali, on his YouTube channel, expressed his disappointment with Mohammed Shami’s statement and termed his remarks about Inzamam-ul-Haq, indecent.

“When Shami talks about Inzi bhai and calls him a cartoon, that’s not right. Inzamam has led this country and captained it. Shami, your choice of words isn’t good. We praise your bowling, but you should have chosen your words better. You didn’t pick your words well, and that hurt me,” stated Basit.

“If you think Inzi bhai said something wrong, say it nicely. Don’t call him a cartoon and all that. Have some respect. He’s a senior. You should respect your seniors. If you don’t, cricket will make you cry 300 days out of 365 and only make you happy for 65 days. So, please don’t do this, it’s a personal request,” he added.

“Be a bit more careful, you can’t just say anything anywhere. Whatever question is asked, you keep giving ‘behuda’ (indecent) answers. I’m using the right word, ‘behuda (indecent)’. Aapne behuda zabaan use kiya hai (You’ve used indecent language). Your elders probably never taught you this,” Basit concluded.

READ: Mehran, Dahani star as Pakistan Shaheens down Bangladesh A

Mohammed Shami reacts to Inzamam’s remarks on Indian pacers’ reverse swing

Right-arm India pacer Mohammed Shami reignited the reserve-swing debate, which started when Inzamam-ul-Haq questioned Indian pacers’ ability to reverse the ball early during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.

Indian bowlers were on a roll in the 20-team tournament, the highlight of which was when they defended 30 runs off as many deliveries in the nerve-wracking final against South Africa.

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Meanwhile, Mohammed Shami, at a local YouTube Podcast did not mince his words and slammed Inzamam-ul-Haq over his remarks.

Shami continued to call out the former captain by claiming that Pakistan cricketers were involved in ball tampering in the past.

“Before saying anything to the Indian bowlers, they should remember the past incidents when their players were caught while tampering with the ball. Pakistan players want to make their public fool, and when their team is not performing well, they come out with allegations,” said Mohammed Shami.

READ: Inzamam-ul-Haq hits back at Rohit Sharma amid reverse-swing debate

Inzamam-ul-Haq hits back at Rohit Sharma amid reverse-swing debate

Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq gave India skipper Rohit Sharma a befitting response in the wake of an ongoing reverse-swing debate.

Pakistan’s batting great earlier questioned Indian pacers’ ability to reverse the ball early, citing the example of Arshdeep Singh bowling the 15th over against Australia in the Super Eights of the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.

In response, the Indian captain indirectly told the Pakistan great to use his brain before going on to explain the factors causing the ball to reverse.

“What answer will I give? If you are playing under the sun and the wickets are this dry, the ball will reverse on its own. The ball is reversing for all teams. Not just for us,” stated Rohit.

“Sometimes, it’s important to open your mind (use your brain). You have to understand where we are playing. We are not playing in England or Australia,” he added.

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But the debate continued as Inzamam-ul-Haq responded to Rohit Sharma’s “use your brain” remarks, stating “don’t teach something to someone who actually taught it to the world”.

“We shall definitely use our brains but the first thing is that he (Rohit) admitted that it’s happening. So it means what we observed is correct.

“Secondly, Rohit does not need to tell us how reverse swing works, under how much sun, on what pitch; you don’t teach something to someone who actually taught it to the world. Tell him it’s not right to say these things.

“I had only given suggestions to the umpires, that keep your eyes open since the ball was moving around in the 15th over, and I still maintain my stance. I would again say to them ‘Keep your eyes open’. What’s happening? If the umpires too use their brain, it will be better for everyone involved.”

READ: Rohit advises teammates ahead of T20 World Cup 2024 final

Rohit Sharma responds to Inzamam’s remarks on Indian pacers’ reverse swing

India’s all-format captain Rohit Sharma responded to former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq’s statement regarding India’s pacers’ premature reverse swing in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 fixture against Australia.

Rohit, at a press conference, ahead of India’s semi-final against England, asked critics to “open your mind” and understand “where we are playing”.

“What answer will I give? If you are playing under the sun and the wickets are this dry, the ball will reverse on its own. The ball is reversing for all teams. Not just for us,” stated Rohit.

“Sometimes, it’s important to open your mind (use your brain). You have to understand where we are playing. We are not playing in England or Australia,” Rohit Sharma added.

Earlier, Pakistan’s legendary batter Inzamam-ul-Haq questioned Indian pacers’ ability to reverse the ball early, citing the example of Arshdeep Singh bowling the 15th over.

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Inzamam-ul-Haq gave leverage to Jasprit Bumrah, considering his unorthodox bowling action, but reiterated that the ball had to be in “perfect condition” for the other bowlers.

“Because for reverse swing … look Bumrah can do it, because of his action; but for some bowlers – their action and their speed, the ball has to be in that perfection condition and prepared well [to reverse]. It could be that the wicket was hard and rough, that could be the reason [for the ball getting scuffed up on one side], but these things have to be noticed.”

READ: ‘No history in semi-finals makes Afghanistan dangerous’: Jonathan Trott

Inzamam-ul-Haq questions India bowlers’ premature reverse swing

Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq advised the umpires to “keep their eyes open” as he questioned India’s bowlers’ ability to reverse swing the ball early during their crucial ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 fixture against Australia.

The legendary Pakistan batter highlighted that left-arm Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh was reversing the ball in the 15th over, which according to him is a rare sight in cricket.

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Inzamam-ul-Haq gave leverage to Jasprit Bumrah, considering his unorthodox bowling action, but reiterated that the ball had to be in “perfect condition” for the other bowlers.

India booked their spot in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 with a 24-run victory over Australia in a high-stakes clash. The 2007 champions will now take on defending champions England in the second semi-final on June 27 at Providence Stadium, Guyana.

READ: ICC unveils match officials for T20 World Cup 2024 semi-finals

Former cricketers lash out at Pakistan after shock loss against USA

Legendary Pakistan cricketers Inzamam-ul-Haq, Waqar Younis and Shahid Afridi lashed out at the national team following their upset defeat against the United States of America (USA) in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.

Pakistan endured a five-run defeat against the co-hosts in the Super Over as they failed to chase down the 19-run target.

Senior pacer Mohammad Amir bowled the Super Over for Pakistan and conceded 18 runs. In response, the Green Shirts only managed 13/1.

Reacting to the defeat on his YouTube channel, former captain Inzamam-ul-Haq stated the team is heading towards a “downfall”.

“Babar Azam and company should sit down and think about the kind of cricket they are playing. But, looking at our cricket and selection, I think our cricket is headed towards downfall,” the former right-hander said.

Legendary all-rounder Shahid Afridi, on the other hand, raised questions over the team’s strategies in crucial situations.

“They made a huge mistake by opting for Iftikhar instead of Fakhar to play the first ball of the super over. The left-arm fast bowler would have suited Fakhar because of the angle of the bowling. I don’t know who told Iftikhar to face the left-armer,” Afridi said on his YouTube channel.

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Afridi also questioned Mohammad Amir’s performance in the Super Over.

“Mohammad Amir bowled really well during the match and I thought that they will go with in the super over as well. But he conceded a lot of extras in the super over which also didn’t help Pakistan’s cause,” stated Afridi.

“He is experienced and knows how to bowl yorkers. The ball was reversing as well which is why I think he shouldn’t have given away so many runs,” he added.

On the other hand, legendary pacer Waqar Younis termed the USA’s victory over Pakistan historic and asserted that the national team looked “helpless”.

“USA grounded Pakistan in their opening game. History’s been registered. Pakistan looked exhausted and helpless in the field. Congrats USA for a thumping victory,” Waqar tweeted.

READ: Babar Azam highlights shortcomings after Pakistan’s shock loss against USA

PCB accepts Inzamam-ul-Haq’s resignation as chief selector

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has accepted the resignation of Inzamam-ul-Haq as chief selector, ARY News reported.

The PCB spokesperson said that Inzamam-ul-Haq’s resignation has been accepted as the chairman of the national men’s selection committee and junior selection committee and will announce his replacement in due course.

He voluntarily stepped down from his position on 30 October 2023 in order to offer the PCB the opportunity to conduct a transparent inquiry about the conflict of interest allegations, PCB spokesperson added.

A five-member fact-finding committee has been formed by the board to investigate allegations regarding conflict of interest reported in the media about the team selection process. The findings of this inquiry will be submitted to the PCB Management promptly.

Earlier today in an interview with a private news channel, Inzamam lashed out at the PCB management saying his counsel sent an email to the cricket board but neither they responded nor called the former cricketer for meeting.

He said that “PCB chairman tried to save himself in his interview by issuing statements instead of talking to me” Inzaman added.

Inzamam-ul-Haq is accused of being a stakeholder in a certain players’ agent firm. It was also said that he selected the World Cup 2023 squad keeping in view the firm’s interests.

Haq also resigned as the chairman of the national men’s selection committee and junior selection committee.

“I am stepping down from the post to offer the PCB the opportunity to conduct a transparent inquiry about the conflict-of-interest allegations raised in the media. If the committee finds me not guilty, I will resume my role as the chief selector” Inzamam-ul-Haq said in a statement.

While talking to a private TV channel, Inzamam-ul-Haq said that he is ready for any inquiry that the Pakistan Cricket Board wants to conduct regarding his days as chief selector but is resigning for questions were raised about the transparency in the selection process for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 amid the team’s failing campaign.

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PCB responds to Inzamam-ul-Haq’s resignation

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday, confirmed that Inzamam-ul-Haq has resigned from his position as the chairman of the national men’s selection committee and junior selection committee.

“Inzamam-Ul-Haq has resigned as the chairman of the national men’s selection committee and junior selection committee,” stated PCB.

“He was appointed as the chairman of the national men’s committee on 7 August 2023 and was also appointed chairman of the junior men’s selection committee earlier this month,” the statement added.

Furthermore, the PCB also appreciated and acknowledged Inzamam-ul-Haq’s decision to voluntarily step down from his role amid the investigation.

The statement also quoted Inzamam-ul-Haq, who stated that he was stepping down from the post to offer the PCB the opportunity to conduct a transparent inquiry.

“I am stepping down from the post to offer the PCB the opportunity to conduct a transparent inquiry about the conflict of interest allegations raised in the media. If the committee finds me not guilty, I will resume my role as the chief selector,” Inzamam was quoted as saying.

Earlier today, sources said that the former Pakistan captain has stepped down from his role as the chief selector.

During an interview with a local news channel, he revealed that he wanted to meet the PCB Management Committee Chairman Zaka Ashraf but to no avail.

The development comes after media reports circulated, claiming that the former cricketer was one of the stakeholders in a player’s management firm, named Saya Corps, in respect to the “conflict of interest”.

Meanwhile, Inzamam-ul-Haq clarified his decision to step down as the chief selector.

“We are cricketers and we are available all the time to serve the country. Since I am facing an inquiry, and as the nature of my job is, I should step down and let them conduct the probe,” the former captain said.

“I am a human and it hurts. I have a 20-year cricket career during which I represented Pakistan. I am not someone who people don’t know. When such allegations are levelled, it hurts.”

He further said he has no relations with any players’ agent firm.

“I must tell you very clearly that such companies are recommended by the ICC and PCB has all their data,” he added.

In response to Inzamam’s statement, Zaka Ashraf has clarified that he was unable to meet the former cricketer due to his unavailability in the office premises at the time.

“I was not present in the office, so how could I meet Inzamam-ul-Haq,” said the PCB chief.

“I respect Inzamam a lot. I am available to meet whenever he wants,” he added.

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