Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq has returned home from England amid growing scrutiny over his injury, with the batter now facing the prospect of a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) inquiry and potentially seeking legal counsel. Imam was among seven players released from the Test squad after Pakistan’s 194-run defeat to England at Lord’s, which left them 2-0 down in the three-match series.
The decision to overhaul the squad midway through the tour has raised questions about what happened inside the Pakistan camp. Imam’s injury, in particular, has become a major talking point after he missed both innings at Lord’s despite the PCB confirming that scans showed a low-grade calf strain.
“Imam is in big trouble, and he is also likely to seek legal counsel when he has to appear to face an inquiry committee of the Board which will look into his calf muscle injury,” a team insider said.
WHY IMAM’S INJURY HAS BECOME A MAJOR ISSUE
Imam sustained the injury while fielding on the opening day at Lord’s. The PCB initially announced that he had suffered a strain to his left calf, with scans later confirming it as a low-grade strain. He was subsequently ruled out of the remainder of the Test.
The controversy intensified after former Pakistan chief selector Mohammad Wasim alleged that Imam had previously been involved in questionable injury episodes. Wasim claimed that former team physio Cliffe Deacon had warned him ahead of the 2022 Multan Test against England that Imam might fake an injury, an allegation Imam has not publicly accepted.
The latest episode also revived a separate controversy from Pakistan’s 2025 tour of New Zealand. According to reports, a PCB inquiry had examined an alleged fake toe injury and reportedly recommended severe disciplinary action, including a ban. No such ban was ultimately imposed, and Imam continued playing international cricket. Importantly, there is currently no established evidence that he fabricated the latest calf injury; the PCB itself confirmed the strain.
Former England bowler Stuart Broad has also questioned the episode, after Imam was seen training on the sidelines while wearing strapping on his calf. Broad accused him of “putting on an act”, adding further fuel to the controversy.
For Imam, the timing could hardly be worse. A player with 31 Tests, 75 ODIs and two T20Is behind him is now facing questions not merely about form, but about trust and credibility. Pakistan, in the meantime, will be looking to salvage some pride when the third Test in Birmingham starts on September 9.
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