Being Inzamam's nephew is an added pressure: Imam-ul-Haq

21-year-old Imam-ul-Haq helped Lahore Blues make a case for themselves in the National T20 Cup with an unbeaten 59* in the finals. Imam has revealed that being legendary former Pakistan skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq’s nephew adds much pressure on him, but he takes the pressure as a motivation to do well. Imam scored a hundred on his ODI debut against Sri Lanka earlier this year.

He said that he will have to face harsh criticism if he fails with the bat. The left-hand batsman believes it is important to play on a consistent basis and do well for Pakistan. He adds to it by saying that he was picked on the basis of his performance.

“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. Alhamdulillah, I performed and proved myself but I know critics will come again the day I am not able to perform,” he told Geo.tv.

“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.

Imam ready to give his 200%

Imam said he is ready to give his 200% if his competitors are giving their 100%. The young sensation believes he will answer back to his critics with his bat. “I have bat in my hands to reply criticism on me. If others have to give 100 percent, I am motivated to give 200 percent, which is good thing for me as well,” he said.

Imam has played 32 First-class matches, scoring 1744 runs at an average of 35.59. “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 Imam