Imam-ul-Haq struggles amid injury fiasco, Pakistan batsman opts to seek legal counsel

Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq has returned home from England amid growing scrutiny over his injury, with the batter now facing the prospect of a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) investigation and potentially seeking legal counsel. Imam was among seven players dropped from the Test squad after Pakistan’s 194-run defeat of England at Lord’s left them 2-0 up in the three-match series.

The decision to overhaul the team mid-tour raised questions about what happened inside the Pakistan camp. Imam’s injury, in particular, became a major point of discussion after he missed both innings at Lord’s, despite the PCB confirming that scans showed low calf strain.

“I’ve got them in big trouble and he’ll probably also seek legal counsel when he has to face the board’s board of inquiry into his calf injury,” a team member said.

WHY THE IMAM’S INJURY BECAME A SERIOUS PROBLEM

Imam suffered an injury at the start on the opening day at Lord’s. The PCB initially reported he had suffered a left calf strain, with scans later confirming it was a low-grade strain. He was subsequently excluded from the rest of the test.

The controversy intensified after former Pakistan chief selector Mohammad Wasim claimed that Imam had previously been involved in controversial injury episodes. Wasim claimed that former team physio Cliffe Deacon warned him before the 2022 Multan Test against England that Imam could fake an injury, a claim that Imam has not publicly accepted.

The latest episode also revived a a separate controversy from Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand in 2025. According to investigation reports, the PCB looked into the alleged fake toe injury and reportedly recommended strict disciplinary action, including a ban. No such ban was ultimately imposed and Imam continued to play international cricket. Importantly, there is currently no established evidence that he fabricated the latest calf injury; PCB itself confirmed the strain.

Former England bowler Stuart Broad also questioned the episode after Imam was seen training on the touchline while wearing a calf strap. Široká accused him of an “act”, adding further fuel to the controversy.

For the imam, the timing could hardly have been worse. The player with 31 Tests, 75 ODIs and two T20Is now faces questions not only about form but also about confidence and credibility. Meanwhile, Pakistan will look to salvage some pride when the third Test begins in Birmingham on September 9.

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Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

01 Sep 2026 21:32 IST