Here’s why cricketer Imam ul Haq’s parents don’t go to his matches

Pakistani cricketer Imam-ul-Haq recently went on Daniyal Sheikh’s podcast where he made a heart breaking confession about his family. He said that consistent taunts by spectators during matches has prevented his family members from watching him play live at stadiums.

The cricket star made his ODI debut in 2017 in Abu Dhabi in a match against Sri Lanka. At the time, his uncle Inzamam-ul-Haq, a former captain of the Pakistan cricket team, was the team’s chief selector. Imam’s selection sparked controversy, leading to fans of the sport taunting the player with the term ‘parchi’.

Reflecting on the bullying comments during the podcast, Imam said during the early years of his career, people used to approach him at restaurants to taunt him with ‘parchi’

“During 2017-2020 when I used to go to dinner with my family, people would approach me and call me ‘parchi’ to my face,” he said.

Imam went on to explain that because of these taunts, to this day, his parents have never watched him play in cricket stadiums:

“They really want to come and watch me play, but I’m just scared- this is the first time I’m talking about this. But when I’m standing on the boundary, I don’t want my mother to listen to the taunt ‘parchi’ in the stadium. If I was batting and I was out, it wouldn’t matter if I had played better before or not, while going back I would hear taunts of ‘parchi’.”

Since the clip was shared by cricketandstuff on X, formerly Twitter, social media users have expressed their dismay at how the cricketer has suffered relentless bullying yet manages to remain dedicated to the game.

Ali Tareen wrote:

“Heartbreaking to hear such an accomplished player never being able to invite his parents to see him live. Just so he can protect them from hearing their son being abused.”

Heartbreaking to hear such an accomplished player never being able to invite his parents to see him live. Just so he can protect them from hearing their son being abused. 😢💔 https://t.co/kRlU9ep2Gr

— Ali Khan Tareen (@aliktareen) August 22, 2023

Our most strongest player mentally, no wonder he’s top 3 openers in the world right now despite all criticism and abuse. https://t.co/hDe8kYxIlG

— ibrahim (@lbzMcr) August 20, 2023

To berate a player in public is the lowest any fan can stoop. When will our fans understand these are real people with feelings and families like the rest of us. https://t.co/sb6Fham1xz

— Assad (@CoverDriveCric) August 21, 2023

Very unfortunate. There should be some limit to trolling. Poor guy. Hope he does really well in the upcoming games for Pakistan. https://t.co/CFmgPvFrcW

— Humayoun Ahmed Khan (@HumayounAK) August 21, 2023

Not being able to have your parents cherish your success is as awful as it can be. I wish our people would be a little more sensitive and wouldn't consider players as their own personal properties who are entitled to them. https://t.co/oFxLnkYAIs

— iced tea (@_plushpillowss) August 20, 2023