PAK vs NZ: "There Was Apparently Choice Left" - Rashid Latif Reveals Why Imam Ul Haq Was Dropped From Last Two Games Against New Zealand

Former Pakistan cricketer Rashid Latif opened up about Imam-ul-Haq’s snub from the last two ODIs against New Zealand. He said that the Southpaw complained of a hamstring issue ahead of the fourth game which was the reason team went in with Shan Masood at the top. 

Pakistan displayed a resounding performance in the ODI series against New Zealand. The home side thumped the visitors by the margin of 4-1 and clinched the trophy to make sure that their preparations are on the right track for the World Cup. 

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After being dropped, he posted a cryptic tweet that added more flavor to his controversial exclusion. In his place, Shan Masood played the last two games and was decent with the bat as well. 

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Rashid Latif however now has opened up about why Imam-Ul-Haq was dropped from the team. He said that Fakhar Zaman wasn’t slated to play the fourth game but the former complained about his hamstring which was the reason he didn’t play. Speaking to the digital sports channel, he said: 

“Fakhar initially wasn’t playing the fourth ODI, but just an hour before when the match was about to commence, Imam complained of a hamstring issue. There was apparently no choice left because Fakhar was not included in the playing XI. Shan was replacing Fakhar; Imam would’ve opened the inning. 

“Fakhar might have demanded that even if he couldn’t perform in the fourth match, he still would be willing to play the fifth and last ODI match, and that is exactly how things panned out. Shan played a good knock, Fakhar couldn’t perform, and Imam didn’t play.” 

Also Read: PAK vs NZ: Pakistan Lose No.1 Spot In The ICC Rankings In Less Than 48 Hours As New Zealand Clinch Dead Rubber

PAK vs NZ: “He’s one of our main players,” Rashid Latif on Imam-Ul-Haq 

Rashid Latif further went on to say that there’s no threat to Imam-Ul-Haq’s place in the team as 18 to 20% of runs are scored by him. He added: 

“Other than that, there’s no threat to Imam’s position in the national team. He’s one of our main players. Mostly 18 to 20% of runs fall in his bucket and as many in Fakhar’s.” 

Imam-Ul-Haq has scored 2719 runs in 59 ODIs that he has played at an average of 51.3. Also, he has scored 9 hundreds and 16 half-centuries in his career.

Also Read: PAK vs NZ: “The Ton Against New Zealand Was Very Memorable” – Babar Azam Picks His 2019 World Cup Knock As His Favourite ODI Innings

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