Imam-ul-Haq still feigning injury: the former PAK selector’s big claim AFTER Lord’s no-show

Former Pakistan batsman and chief selector Mohammad Wasim has leveled serious allegations against current opener Imam-ul-Haq, claiming that the left-hander has previously exaggerated or fabricated injury issues to avoid playing.

Imam was unable to field to bat during Pakistan’s first innings of the second Test against England at Lord’s after picking up a strained calf. With his availability for the rest of the match still unclear, Wasim recalled an incident from his time as Pakistan’s chief selector and claimed such concerns were not new.

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During an online discussion with renowned Pakistani cricket historian Dr. Naumanem Niaz told Wasim that the team physio in 2022 alerted him that Imam was allegedly using similar methods to stay out of action.

“The physio actually came to me and told me beforehand,” Wasim said on his YouTube channel about the Multan Test 2022. “The announcement hasn’t been made and the decision hasn’t even been made. I don’t think the player has said anything either. He came and warned me that it was going to happen. And that’s exactly what happened. Because of whatever discussions he had, he then said it had happened in the past and coaches had complained about similar things.”

Pakistan had to reshuffle their opening combination in Imam’s absence as Shan Masood and Azan Awais walked out to open the innings on the second day at Lord’s. Shan’s stay was short as he was caught behind Jofra Archer for just one of 11 deliveries.

Awais offered some resistance and top scored with 46 while Saud Shakeel with 16 was the only other double figure contribution. Pakistan’s batting collapsed quickly as they were bowled out for 110 in less than 38 overs.

Wasim hinted that Pakistan could slip back into some of the patterns that have plagued the side in the past, adding that Babar Azam’s return as captain could have a bearing on the situation. He also claimed that similar episodes involving injuries had occurred during domestic competitions and expressed hope that head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed would step in and resolve the matter.

“I think we have to get rid of such characters because look at the message it sends to everyone else in the team,” Wasim added. “What precedent? This has become a recurring one. As they say, if something happens again, it’s no longer a coincidence. I think we have to look at it, whatever he’s doing, whatever he’s doing. And the other thing is, when Babar is captain again, we’ll go back in that direction.”

“I thought he came out to open (at Lord’s) but he didn’t. Then they kept moving him further down the order and eventually he didn’t come out at all. I’m sure Sarfaraz and others are watching these things and will take action against it,” he concluded.

WHAT DID PCB SAY ABOUT IMAM’S INJURY?

The Pakistan Cricket Board said Imam’s participation in the match will depend on how well he responds to treatment for his calf injury.

“Pakistan’s opening batsman Imam-ul-Haq suffered a left calf strain while fielding on the opening day of the second Test against England at Lord’s.”

“Scans later confirmed low calf tension and Imam is currently receiving treatment under the supervision of the Pakistani medical team.”

“His participation in the remainder of the Test is subject to treatment leading to recovery,” the PCB said in a statement.

Pakistan chasing 389 runs to win Lord’s Test.

– The end

Published on:

30 Aug 2026 19:16 IST