Imam-ul-Haq row: When PCB considered banning Pakistan batter in 2025

The latest controversy surrounding Imam-ul-Haq’s injury at Lord’s has revived an old episode from Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand in 2025. According to a Geo TV report, a PCB inquiry has recommended harsh disciplinary action against the batsman, including a ban, for an alleged fake injury last year.

This time, during the second Test against England at Lord’s, Imam suffered a nasty strain on his left calf while taking off on the opening day. The PCB confirmed the injury after a scan and ruled him out for the rest of the match. Pakistan lost by 194 runs England took a 2-0 lead in the series.

The situation drew attention when Imam was seen training on the sidelines despite being sent off. Former England pacer Stuart Broad accused him of ‘showing off’bringing his previous injury controversy back into the spotlight.

The imam is now set to return to Pakistan on the first available flight from London after missing the Lord’s test. The PCB is also reportedly considering a high-level inquiry into his injury amid questions over its severity.

SHEET INJURY THAT TRIGGERED THE DPS PROBE

An earlier episode took place on 28 March 2025 during an indoor net in New Zealand when the ball hit Imam’s right big toe. X-rays reportedly showed no fracture or dislocation, although he later complained of pain and discoloration.

According to reports, the Imam was advised not to walk but subsequently walked about 500 meters to attend the iftar gathering. A PCB investigation later examined a dark mark on his thumb, which reportedly disappeared after the team doctor cleaned the area with chemically treated paper.

The commission reportedly concluded that the mark was ink or marker rather than natural blood. The imam denied using any artificial substance, but investigators reportedly found his explanation contradicted by medical evidence. Team officials also reportedly said he limped when observed, but walked normally when away from the staff.

The committee ultimately concluded that there was no medical basis for declaring Imam unavailable for Pakistan’s opening ODI against New Zealand. She allegedly accused him of fabricating, exaggerating or misrepresenting symptoms and deliberately trying to make himself unavailable.

The most serious finding was his reported recommendation that the imam be barred from representing Pakistan in all formats and at all levels. No such ban was ultimately imposed and he continued his international career.

The Lord’s incident has now reopened these questions, although there is no proven evidence that the Imam faked his latest calf injury. The PCB has officially confirmed the tribe.

For Imam, however, another injury controversy inevitably brought the awkward chapter of 2025 back into the spotlight.

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Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

31 Aug 2026 19:48 IST