‘Happy For You’: Pakistan Cricketer Imam-ul-Haq Congratulates Sarfaraz Khan On Earning Maiden India Call-up

Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq expressed his congratulations to Sarfaraz Khan on earning his maiden India call-up through a post on X.

Pakistan opener Imam ul Haq took to X to congratulate Sarfaraz Khan on his maiden India call-up for the upcoming IND vs ENG 2nd Test match in Vizag. ( Image Source :Getty/PTI )

Indian cricketer Sarfaraz Khan, renowned for his explosive batting style and versatility, received his first-ever call-up to the Indian team on January 29 ( Monday). He is set to join the Indian squad for the second India vs England Test match in Visakhapatnam, set to commence on February 2 (Friday). Notably, Pakistani cricketer Imam-ul-Haq was among those who extended congratulations to Sarfaraz, and his social media post in support of Sarfaraz Khan has gone viral.

The right-handed batsman has consistently amassed runs in domestic cricket in recent years. With KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja unavailable, the selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, included Sarfaraz, Sourabh Kumar, and Washington Sundar as replacement players.

Social media was filled with well-wishes for Sarfaraz Khan, who had been eagerly anticipating this moment for over a year. Among those extending congratulations was Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq, who reacted to the news and shared a post on X. "Congratulations brother So Happy for you," Imam wrote alongside the picture of Sarfaraz.

Have A Look At The Post By The Pakistani Cricketer Here:

Congratulations brother So Happy for you ❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/TDmKXMZYjj

— Imam Ul Haq (@ImamUlHaq12) January 29, 2024

Sarfaraz's Consistent Domestic Performances Lead To Selection

Sarfaraz Khan initially caught attention when he amassed 928 runs during the 2019/20 Ranji Trophy season. His remarkable performances continued as the Mumbai batsman concluded the 2021/22 Ranji season as the highest run-scorer with 982 runs from 6 matches. In the following season, he maintained his impressive form by scoring 556 runs in six matches.

During this period, Sarfaraz Khan also represented India A and appeared to be on the verge of earning his maiden call-up for the Bangladesh tour in 2022. Despite expectations of inclusion in the squad for the home series against Australia, he was overlooked.

Persisting with strong performances for India A, Sarfaraz has finally received his maiden India call-up. In the upcoming second Test match of the ongoing IND vs ENG Test series, both Sarfaraz and Rajat Patidar will be competing for a spot in the playing XI. Sourabh, another player called up, is yet to make his Test debut despite earning his maiden India call-up in 2022. On the other hand, Washington Sundar, who is also part of the squad, has prior experience in all formats.

The second Test of the five-match series between India and England is scheduled to be held in Vizag from February 2 to 6. The first Test was won by the Ben Stokes-led England side, leading the series 1-0 with a 28-run victory.