The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made a surprising decision to recall opener Imam-ul-Haq from his ongoing stint with Yorkshire, where he has been in sensational form during the One-Day Cup.
The left-handed batsman, who has been a standout performer for the county, will play his final match for Yorkshire in Sunday’s semi-final against Hampshire at Scarborough before returning to Pakistan to rejoin the national squad. This move comes as the PCB looks to strengthen its lineup ahead of the upcoming international series.
Imam-ul-Haq, 29, has been nothing short of a revelation in the 50-over competition, amassing 583 runs in just seven matches at an astonishing average of 97.16. His performance places him second on the tournament’s run-scoring charts, behind Hampshire’s Nick Gubbins, who has played nine games.
Among his remarkable feats was a career-best innings of 159 off 130 balls against Northamptonshire Steelbacks, demonstrating his ability to dominate bowling attacks and anchor his team’s innings. His tally so far includes three centuries and three fifties, contributions that have helped Yorkshire top their group with seven wins from eight matches.
The impact of Imam’s presence has not been limited to the field. Yorkshire teammate James Wharton praised him both for his exceptional batting and his influence in the dressing room. “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 added, “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.”
Originally signed by Yorkshire in July as a replacement for India’s Ruturaj Gaikwad, Imam-ul-Haq’s stint was expected to last for the remainder of the season, including the County Championship.
However, his blistering form has caught the attention of Pakistan selectors, prompting his early recall. After missing Pakistan’s recent Test series against the West Indies, the left-hander is now being considered for the upcoming October Test series against South Africa.
Selectors are also expected to review his red-ball form in the Hanif Mohammad Trophy next month, which will play a critical role in finalizing Pakistan’s Test squad.
Yorkshire, meanwhile, will face the challenge of replacing a player whose brief tenure proved transformative, both on the field with his consistent run-scoring and off the field with his leadership and camaraderie. Imam-ul-Haq’s return to Pakistan underscores his growing importance in the national setup and signals a boost for the team ahead of a crucial international season.
