England vs Pakistan: A video showing Imam-ul-Haq walking normally after returning to Pakistan has sparked fresh debate over his calf injury during the second Test against England at Lord’s. The Pakistan opener did not bat in either innings after being diagnosed with a low-grade tear in his left calf.
Imam-ul-Haq’s Calf Injury Controversy
Imam suffered the injury while fielding during the Lord’s Test and was subsequently sent for scans. The Pakistan Cricket Board said he had sustained a Grade 1 tear in his left calf and had been advised to rest.
He did not bat in Pakistan’s first innings, which ended at 110. However, controversy grew on the fourth day when Imam was seen taking part in batting drills with his calf heavily strapped.
Despite appearing to move during the session, Imam did not come out to bat in Pakistan’s second innings either.
WATCH: Imam Walks Normally at Lahore Airport
Dear @StuartBroad8 Sir !! Just look at this guy Imam Ul Haq. he just forgot the script of injury when he reached at home Pakistan. He has forgot that he is injured & required wheel chair.😂🤣😝 @CallMeSheri1_ @davidwarner31 @SkyCricket @nassercricket pic.twitter.com/AkrzUW9UPw
— Nil Gade (@Gade1603) September 1, 2026
After Pakistan’s defeat, Imam was among the players sent back home following the PCB’s major squad overhaul. A video from Lahore airport showing him walking normally has now gone viral.
The footage has led fans to question whether Imam was fit enough to bat at Lord’s. However, the video alone does not prove that his injury was fake, as walking normally does not necessarily mean a player is fit for the demands of Test batting.
Nevertheless, the footage has added another layer to an already controversial incident.
Some naughty Pakistan fan took a photo of Imam ul Haq as soon he landed at the Lahore Airport.
According to many eyewitnesses he was walking briskly and showing no signs of pain and discomfort.
Whoever is that miracle doctor who has cured him from the calf injury in just a day… pic.twitter.com/gUkxEt2ZKJ— Troll cricket unlimitedd (@TUnlimitedd) September 1, 2026
Stuart Broad Questioned Imam’s Warm-Up
Former England fast bowler Stuart Broad strongly criticised Imam during the Test while speaking on Sky Sports.
Broad questioned why Imam was conducting a visible batting session while wearing tape and appearing to limp. He described the exercise as “all for show”, arguing that such rehabilitation work could have been done away from public view.
Broad’s comments intensified scrutiny because Imam subsequently did not bat despite Pakistan’s difficult position.
“Get rid of the fear of failure”
Stuart Broad & Urooj Mumtaz on what Pakistan need to in their second innings 🇵🇰 pic.twitter.com/HNojpBML21
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) August 30, 2026
Aaqib Javed Says Imam Could Face Inquiry
The controversy escalated further after Aaqib Javed, Pakistan’s director of high performance, criticised Imam for not batting in either innings.
Aaqib called the injury situation a “big question mark” and said he was deeply disappointed with the opener’s decision.
He also confirmed that Imam could face an inquiry, while stopping short of claiming that the batter had faked his injury.
Aaqib questioned whether a pulled muscle should have completely prevented Imam from attempting to bat.
Pakistan Make Major Changes After Lord’s Defeat
Following the heavy defeat, Pakistan recalled seven players and made changes to the coaching staff. Sarfaraz Ahmed and Umar Gul were removed, while Mike Hesson was given responsibility for the Test side.
The controversy surrounding Imam is now likely to remain under focus, particularly with Aaqib Javed suggesting that an inquiry could establish what happened behind the scenes at Lord’s.
Pakistan Squad For 3rd Test: Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Fazal, Abdullah Shafique, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Muhammad Imran, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Razaullah, Saad Baig, Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood, Ubaid Shah.
