2 September 2026 (Navroze Bureau) : Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq is facing mounting scrutiny over the calf injury that ruled him out of the second Test against England at Lord’s, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) set to investigate the circumstances surrounding the injury.
Reports suggest Imam could seek legal counsel before appearing before the PCB’s inquiry committee. However, there is currently no established evidence that he deliberately faked the injury. The PCB had officially confirmed that scans showed a low-grade strain in his left calf.
PCB to Investigate Imam’s Injury
PCB selection committee member Aaqib Javed has questioned how Imam was unable to bat in either innings of the Lord’s Test after sustaining the injury while fielding.
Javed said an inquiry would be conducted and described the circumstances as a matter of concern, adding that action could follow depending on the findings.
Imam Could Seek Legal Help
According to a PTI report cited by India Today and Hindustan Times, an insider claimed Imam may seek legal counsel when he appears before the PCB inquiry committee.
The legal assistance would potentially help him respond to questions about the injury and the circumstances surrounding his withdrawal from the Test. The report does not establish that Imam has committed any offence.
What Happened at Lord’s?
Imam sustained the injury while fielding on the opening day of the second Test against England.
The PCB initially said scans had confirmed a low-grade calf strain, with the batter receiving treatment under the supervision of Pakistan’s medical team. He was subsequently ruled out of the remainder of the match.
The controversy intensified because Imam did not bat in either innings, while Pakistan suffered a heavy defeat and fell 2-0 behind in the three-match series.
Questions Raised Over Injury
The situation attracted further attention after former Pakistan chief selector Mohammad Wasim publicly alleged that Imam had previously been involved in questionable injury episodes.
Wasim recalled claims involving former Pakistan team physio Cliffe Deacon, who he said had raised concerns about Imam’s injury situation ahead of the 2022 Test series against England. These remain allegations and do not establish that Imam fabricated his latest injury.
Stuart Broad Also Questions the Episode
Former England fast bowler Stuart Broad also criticised the episode after Imam was seen training on the sidelines while wearing strapping around his calf.
Broad questioned the legitimacy of the situation and accused the batter of “putting on an act”, adding another layer to the controversy.
PCB Had Confirmed a Genuine Calf Strain
Despite the speculation, the PCB’s own medical update stated that Imam had suffered a low-grade calf strain.
The board said he sustained the injury while fielding and that scans later confirmed the strain. This is important because the current inquiry is examining the circumstances surrounding his inability to play, rather than there being an established finding that the injury itself was fabricated.
Imam Sent Home Amid Major Pakistan Shake-Up
Imam was among seven Pakistan players sent home following the team’s heavy defeats in the first two Tests.
The PCB also replaced head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul as part of a major overhaul of the touring setup.
Pakistan lost the first Test by an innings and 103 runs before suffering a 194-run defeat at Lord’s, leaving the team with significant pressure ahead of the final Test in Birmingham.
A Bigger Crisis for Pakistan Cricket
The Imam injury controversy comes amid wider turmoil within Pakistan cricket.
The abrupt removal of several senior players and changes to the coaching staff have raised questions about team selection, player accountability and the functioning of the cricket administration.
The inquiry into Imam’s injury could therefore become another major issue for the PCB as it attempts to restore stability.
What Happens Next?
The PCB inquiry is expected to examine the circumstances of Imam’s injury, the medical assessments and why he was unable to bat despite remaining around the team during the Test.
Any disciplinary action, if considered necessary, would depend on the findings of the investigation. Until then, claims that Imam deliberately faked the injury remain unproven allegations.