Known for his calm demeanour, impeccable timing, and ability to anchor an innings, Inzamam played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s cricketing successes during the 1990s and 2000s. However, there was a moment in history when Inzamam-ul-Haq publically lost his cool.
The story goes back to 1997 during a match between Pakistan and India in Toronto.
Inzamam lost his cool when an Indian fan repeatedly heckled him from the stands by calling him “Aloo” (meaning potato in Hindi/Urdu) due to his bulky frame.
Inzamam-ul- Haq Fight with Spectator Called Him AALU | Sahara Cup 1997
It started as light banter, but as the taunts continued, Inzamam became visibly agitated. The fan, using a megaphone, escalated his chants of “Inzi, Aloo!” to the point where it broke the cricketer’s patience.
To everyone’s shock, Inzamam charged into the crowd, grabbing a bat on his way. He tried to confront the fan, sparking an unexpected scene during the match.
Players, officials, and security personnel rushed to defuse the situation, but the incident left everyone, from the crowd to commentators, stunned.
The altercation didn’t go unnoticed by match officials either. Inzamam was reprimanded, and the episode became a talking point for years to come.
This moment, while not Inzamam’s proudest, turned into a cricketing anecdote that fans across the subcontinent remember with a mix of amusement and disbelief.
For a player like Inzamam, who was renowned for his skill and steady temperament, this incident offered a rare glimpse of his human side – how even legends can be affected by provocation.
