Pakistan Recall Imam-ul-Haq Amidst Record-Breaking Run at Yorkshire

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made a surprising decision to recall Imam-ul-Haq from his stint at Yorkshire, where he is in the midst of a career run in the One‑Day Cup. The in‑form opener will now play his last game for the county in Sunday’s semi‑final against Hampshire at Scarborough before returning home.

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The 29‑year‑old has been a revelation in the 50‑over competition, scoring 583 runs at an average of 97.16 in seven matches to sit second on the run‑scoring charts behind Hampshire’s Nick Gubbins, who has played nine games. His standout knock came against Northamptonshire Steelbacks, where he smashed a career‑best 159 off 130 balls, underlining his pedigree as one of the tournament’s most consistent performers.

His tally includes three hundreds and three fifties, helping Yorkshire top their group with seven wins from eight matches.

Team‑mate James Wharton paid glowing tribute to Imam, both for his runs and his personality.

“He’s been amazing. The runs he has scored have been superb; we couldn’t have wished for it to go any better,” Wharton told BBC Radio Leeds. “He’s an intelligent man, and batting alongside him is a great learning experience because he talks you through it all. He’s also a rock star off the field—a very funny guy who’s had a real impact in the dressing room. It’s gutting he won’t be with us if we get to the final.”

Signed in July as a replacement for India’s Ruturaj Gaikwad, Imam-ul-Haq’s stint with Yorkshire was initially expected to last the season, including the County Championship. But his blistering form has thrust him back into the sights of Pakistan’s selectors.

After missing the recent Test series against the West Indies, the left‑hander is now being strongly considered for a recall ahead of the October Test series against South Africa.

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Selectors are also expected to assess his red‑ball form in the Hanif Mohammad Trophy next month, a key factor in finalizing Pakistan’s Test squad.

Yorkshire, meanwhile, will be left with the sizeable task of filling the void of a player whose short stay has been transformative both on and off the field.

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