Aaqib Javed calls for inquiry into Imam’s injury, advocates overhaul of Pakistan’s Test team
Pakistan selector Aaqib Javed has called for an investigation into Imam-ul-Haq’s calf injury after the pacer was unable to bat in either innings of the second Test against England at Lord’s. Javed also defended Pakistan’s decision to recall seven players from England after back-to-back defeats.
Imam suffered an injury while starting on the opening day and did not return to bat during Pakistan’s 194-run defeat. In an interview with Geo TV on Tuesday, Javed questioned how the opener could miss both the innings after pulling out with a muscle problem.
“Investigation will be done in this matter,” Javed said. “How come you couldn’t hit both innings after pulling a muscle?”
Former chief selector Mohammad Wasim was among those to raise concerns about the imam’s injury. The opener was seen on the field ahead of Sunday’s game but was visibly limping while batting in the shadows with his left calf heavily strapped.
The injury controversy comes after Pakistan have made sweeping changes to their squad and the coaching staff after the defeats at Headingley and Lord’s. Seven players were recalled from England, while head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul also left.
WHAT LEADED TO THE OVERHAUL OF THE PAK EXAM?
Javed said Pakistan cannot afford to continue with the same combination after two heavy defeats. The selectors brought in five uncapped players, while openers Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal were also recalled, with the seven replacements having just 10 Tests of combined experience.
“We can’t just wait,” Javed said.
The selector also revealed that he had spoken to Babar Azam and the coach about making changes to the Lord’s XI after the first Test. Javed wanted fast all-rounder Ubaid Shah and wicket-keeper batsman Ghazi Ghori while Mohammad Rizwan was left out.
“Actually, after the first Test, I spoke to both the captain and the coach, suggesting that they include Ubaid, who bowls at 140km/h,” Javed said. “Agha was properly rested, Ghazi Ghori was available for the tour and was supposed to play in place of Rizwan.
His comments add to reports of differences between the selection committee and the team management over the playing XI for the second Test. Javed’s recommendations were not fully followed, Salman Ali Agha eventually relented, but Rizwan remained.
ANOTHER DAY, ANOTHER RESET FOR PAKISTAN
The latest changes come after another difficult period for Pakistan cricket, with the team undergoing repeated coaching and selection decisions. Sarfaraz was recalled after just two Test series in charge, while Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke will now take charge for the final match of the series.
The guests head to Birmingham with a score of 2:0 and a significantly changed squad. Hesson and Noffke will take charge of the third Test starting at Edgbaston on September 9 as Pakistan look to avoid a series clean sweep against England.
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Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
02 Sep 2026 11:05 IST