Pakistan’s left-handed opening batsman Imam ul Haq has been signed by Somerset Cricket Cub for the final four LV= Insurance County Championship matches of the current season. He has replaced Australian cricketer Matt Renshaw, who has already returned to Australia for pre-season training with his domestic state side, Queensland.
Imam will join Somerset as an overseas player after getting No-Objection Certificate from Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), followed by visa clearance. So far, he has played 16 Tests for the country, amassing 973 runs at an average of 34.8. Imam’s first-class record is also outstanding as he has over 3500 runs in 51 appearances averaging 41.69.
Somerset Director of Cricket, Andy Hurry, is delighted to have secured the services of such a talented player. “Imam Ul Haq is an outstanding batter who will bring quality and a wealth of experience to our environment,” he said. “To be able to bring in an established Test match player for the final LV= Insurance County Championship matches of the season is a coup for us with so much international cricket being played during this important period.
“We have a long-standing working relationship with the PCB, and we are grateful to them for their assistance in helping us to sign a player of this calibre. We are genuinely excited about what he will add to the Club both on and off the field.”
Imam, who feels County Cricket will be a new challenge for him, is ready to tackle all. He has heard much about the club from his best friend, Babar Azam, the Pakistani captain, and the former Test skipper Azhar Ali. It must be noted that Azam is not featuring Somerset in this year’s Vitality Blast following the national duties.
“I have heard a lot about the quality of Somerset from Babar Azam and Azhar Ali. It is a club with a good reputation and great support. I look forward to representing the county and contributing to some good wins in the County Championship.
“English County Cricket will be a new challenge for me, but it is a challenge that I am relishing.”
