Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq’s calf injury during the second Test against England at Lord’s has come under scrutiny after he was unable to bat in either innings. The situation has raised questions about the severity of the injury, particularly as Imam was later sent home as part of Pakistan’s seven-player squad overhaul following heavy defeats in the opening two Tests of the series.
Pakistan’s team management initially confirmed on the second day of the Lord’s Test that Imam had picked up a calf muscle injury while fielding on the opening day. Subsequent scans showed a tear, ruling him out for the rest of the England tour. However, the circumstances surrounding the injury have since prompted speculation over whether it was as serious as initially reported.
Imam-ul-Haq Faces Scrutiny After Missing Both Innings in Lord’s Test
Imam-ul-Haq’s England tour has taken another difficult turn after the Pakistan opener was sent home as part of a seven-player squad overhaul following the team’s heavy defeats in the first two Tests. His calf injury has also come under scrutiny after he was unable to bat in either innings of the second Test at Lord’s, prompting questions over the circumstances surrounding the setback.
Pakistan initially said Imam injured his calf while fielding on the opening day, before scans confirmed a tear that ruled him out for the remainder of the tour. The controversy comes amid a major shake-up within Pakistan cricket after the team’s poor performances in England. The Pakistan Cricket Board made sweeping changes to the squad, sending seven players home, while also replacing the head coach and bowling coach. The scale of the changes has highlighted the growing concerns surrounding Pakistan’s campaign.
Pakistan selection committee member Aaqib Javed has now confirmed that Imam’s injury will be investigated. Javed questioned how the opener could be unable to bat in both innings after sustaining a muscle injury and described the circumstances as a “matter of great concern.” “An inquiry will be conducted into this matter,” Aaqib Javed, part of a four-member national selection panel, told Pakistan’s told private news channel Geo TV during an interview aired on Tuesday night.
Javed also pointed to previous instances where injured players had still attempted to bat despite serious physical limitations. “How is it possible that you failed to come out to bat in both innings after pulling up a muscle?” Javed said. “Injuries do occur and we have seen instances in the past where players — even with casts — have gone out and made an effort. This situation is different. It is a matter of great concern, and action will be taken regarding it.” A report by news agency PTI also claimed Imam may seek legal counsel before appearing before the inquiry committee.
“Imam is in big trouble and he is also likely to seek legal counsel when he has to appear to face an inquiry committee of the Board which will look into his calf muscle injury which didn’t allow him to bat in both innings of the second Test,” PTI quoted an insider saying.
Pakistan Cricket Plunged Into Fresh Trouble Amid Major England Tour Shake-Up
The scrutiny surrounding Imam’s injury has also brought previous concerns back into focus. Chief selector Muhammad Wasim had publicly confirmed that former Pakistan team physio Cliffe Deacon had raised concerns about the opener’s injury patterns during the team’s 2022 Test series in England. Meanwhile, the PCB’s decision to make sweeping changes before the third and final Test had even concluded has added to the sense that deeper issues may be unfolding within Pakistan cricket.
