Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq faces a formal inquiry by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after sitting out both innings of the second Test against England at Lord’s due to a hamstring injury. The left-handed batsman, named in the starting eleven, refrained from taking the crease during his side’s heavy defeat, sparking sharp criticism from foreign commentators and deep frustration within the board hierarchy.
Aaqib Javed, the PCB’s Director of High Performance, expressed profound disappointment over the incident, hinting at disciplinary action if the investigation uncovers negligence or a lack of commitment.
“There are significant questions surrounding Imam’s injury, and I am deeply disappointed,” Aaqib told the Pakistani news outlet Geo. “In the past, players have taken to the field with casts on to represent their country. How can a muscle strain completely prevent someone from attempting to bat in both innings? He ought to have shown fight and tried. He will face an inquiry.”
While Aaqib refrained from explicitly accusing the opener of faking the affliction, he maintained that a muscle strain alone should not have entirely sidelined the batsman.
The injury announcement came mere minutes before the start of the second day’s play. While medical staff advised caution for the remainder of the fixture, observers spotted Imam taking part in training drills alongside teammates on the morning of day four. The sight prompted former England fast bowler Stuart Broad to label the session as mere “showmanship” during commentary, a sentiment later echoed on social media by former Australian batsman David Warner.
Imam is among seven players recalled home early as part of a sweeping overhaul following back-to-back, uncompetitive Test defeats against England. The PCB also removed head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul from their roles after just six Test matches in charge.
Aaqib defended the drastic measures, pointing to persistent structural flaws in the starting lineup. He highlighted the management’s failure to utilize a pace-bowling all-rounder, a backup wicket-keeper, or young fast bowler Ubaid Shah, despite recommendations prior to the match.
The recent turmoil reflects broader instability within Pakistan cricket. Over the past two years, numerous high-profile figures, including Jason Gillespie and Gary Kirsten, have departed coaching posts, whilst former captain Misbah-ul-Haq recently resigned from the selection panel. Aaqib, however, dismissed suggestions of stepping down, maintaining that final on-field tactical choices rest with the touring captain and management.
Looking ahead to the final Test at Edgbaston, Birmingham, beginning on 9 September, the PCB has thrown its full backing behind newly appointed Test head coach Mike Hesson, who now oversees both red-ball and white-ball setups alongside captain Babar Azam.