Pakistan cricket in turmoil: PCB selectors demand inquiry into Imam-ul-Haq injury after opener’s no-hitter at Lord’s

A senior member of Pakistan’s selection committee has questioned the severity of Imam-ul-Haq’s calf injury and called for an investigation after the opener did not bat in an innings during Pakistan’s 194-run defeat by England in the second Test at Lord’s.Aaqib Javed, who is part of Pakistan’s four-member selection panel, said the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will investigate how Imam was managed after he sustained an injury during the match.“An investigation will be carried out in this matter,” Aaqib Javed told Pakistan’s private news channel Geo TV during an interview broadcast on Tuesday evening, as quoted by the AP news agency.Javed questioned how a player could miss both the innings due to a muscle injury.“How come you couldn’t hit both innings after pulling a muscle?” Javed said.He added that players have suffered injuries in the past and called Imam’s case worrisome.“Injuries happen and in the past we’ve seen players – even with casts – go out and try. This situation is different. It’s a matter of great concern and action will be taken.”Imam injured his calf while fielding on the opening day of the Lord’s Test and was ruled out of the match.After former chief selector Mohammad Wasim questioned Imam’s absence, the pacer appeared on the field before the match on the fourth day. Shadow was seen batting with his left calf heavily strapped but visibly limping.Imam was one of seven players recalled from England after Pakistan lost the first two Tests at Headingley and Lord’s. Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were also sent back by the PCB.Pakistan have named head white-ball coach Mike Hesson and bowling coach Ashley Noffke to take charge of the team for the third Test starting in Birmingham on September 9.The selectors picked five uncapped players for the final Test along with openers Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal who played a combined 10 Tests.Javed also addressed reports of differences between the selectors and the team management over the playing XI for the Lord’s Test.According to Javed, he wanted the team to include fast bowler all-rounder Ubaid Shah, wicket-keeper batsman Ghazi Ghori and another pace option in place of Mohammad Rizwan. Instead, only Salman Ali Agha was dropped after leading Pakistan in the first Test in the absence of Babar Azam.“We can’t just wait,” Javed said. “I actually spoke to both the captain and the coach after the first Test, I suggested that they include Ubaid, who bowls at 140km/h. Agha was properly rested, Ghazi Ghori was available for the tour and was to play in Rizwan’s place.”