Rashid Latif, former wicket-keeper, explained why Imam-ul-Haq was dropped for the fourth and fifth ODIs against New Zealand.

Rashid Latif said Imam-ul-Haq slept in the fourth game, but the management wanted Shah Masood instead of Fakhar Zaman.

Rashid Latif said the 27-year-old opener notified the management that he had hamstring injury and could not play in the fourth match.

The 54-year-old wicket-keeper said the national management asked the Mardan-born batsman, who had been ordered to rest, to play in the fourth ODI.

Rashid continued, “Fakhar Zaman agreed but pull himself out of the rotation policy and told the management that he would play the last ODI too, regardless of his performance.

The former player revealed that Imam informed the management that he was fit and available for the fifth ODI, but was not included owing to Fakhar’s commitment.

Imam tweeted, “Life is an unexpected journey, so never expect anything from anyone,” hours before the series finale. Be patient, Allah sees!”

The mysterious message caused controversy on social media and prompted doubts about the pick as Imam had earned the Man of the Match Award in the third ODI for his fifty.

Babar Azam replied saying he hadn’t checked social media since Imam’s tweet.

“We keep family matters private. Boys don’t act like that. “The team trusts like a family,” the captain stated.

That’s what @iRashidLatif68 had to say about @ImamUlHaq12 being kept out pic.twitter.com/wNS8gJ63NW

— Dr. Nauman Niaz (@DrNaumanNiaz) May 7, 2023