'Don't Think It'll Change Unfortunately': Imam-Ul-Haq Reacts On Nepotism Tag

Imam, who has a brilliant batting average of 54 in ODIs, said that people think they have the right to criticise him as they only see him as nephew of Inzamam

Pakistan opener Imam-Ul-Haq, who is nephew of former Pakistan captain and chief selector Inzamam-Ul-Haq, believes that allegations of nepotism over his career are injustice to him. The 23-year-old said he'll be pleased if Pakistani fans recognise him for the hard work he has put in to make it to the national squad, instead connecting him with batting great Inzamam-Ul-Haq. "I don't think it will change unfortunately," Imam told The Cricketer. "The people will never accept me. That's what I think. I will be very pleased if people were to accept me as Imam-ul-Haq and not as someone's nephew," said Imam. Imam, who has a brilliant batting average of 54 in ODIs, said that people think they have the right to criticise him as they only see him as nephew of Inzamam. "People think he [Inzamam] instructed Mickey Arthur to select me," he said. "People need to realize that we are living in a time where you can't hide anything from the media. I won't be in the team without my performance." "They don't see that I've gone through the process. They only see that I'm a nephew of Inzamam and they believe that they have the right to criticise me. I cry a lot when Pakistan lose. Its hurts me if people criticise Babar Azam or Mohammad Amir," he said. "I know what we all go through to give our best for the team," said Imam. Ahead of home series vs Sri Lanka,  Imam expressed how excited he was to score a ton against the visitors and this time in front of 'home crowd'. "Playing against Sri Lanka will always be something special for me. I want to celebrate that hundred again and this time in front of a packed house and my own people.", he tweeted.