Imam-ul-Haq could seek legal counsel as he prepares to face a PCB inquiry into the calf injury that prevented him from batting in either innings of Pakistan’s second Test against England at Lord’s.
The Pakistan opener suffered a low-grade strain to his left calf while fielding on the opening day, with scans confirming the injury and Pakistan’s medical staff overseeing his treatment. He remained unavailable to bat as Pakistan were dismissed for 110 in their first innings before making 194 in pursuit of 389, losing the Test by 194 runs.
A PCB insider told PTI: “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.”
Imam’s Lord’s injury faces scrutiny
Attention around Imam’s condition increased after he appeared on the fourth morning at Lord’s with strapping on his calf and took throwdowns during the warm-up. He ultimately did not bat in either innings and was subsequently among seven players released from Pakistan’s squad following defeats in the opening two Tests.
PCB Director of High Performance Aaqib Javed told Geo: “The Imam injury is a big question mark, and a deep disappointment.”
Javed continued: “Players in the past used to get injuries, but they used to put on casts and still tried [to play]. We’ll take action against this. How is it possible that a pulled muscle ruled you out of batting in both innings? He should have tried and fought. He’ll have to face an inquiry; I can’t say he faked it, but a muscle pull like that cannot stop you from batting altogether.”
The inquiry comes after Pakistan lost the opening Test by an innings and 103 runs before suffering another heavy defeat at Lord’s. Imam returned home as part of the changes made ahead of the third and final Test of the series.
Previous fitness controversy returns to focus
The Lord’s episode has also renewed attention on questions previously raised about Imam’s fitness history. Former Pakistan Chief Selector Muhammad Wasim had disclosed that team physiotherapist Cliffe Deacon raised concerns over the opener’s injury patterns during Pakistan’s 2022 Test series against England.
Another case dates back to Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand in March 2025, when Imam was struck on his right big toe during an indoor net session. According to Geo News, a PCB inquiry committee subsequently held him responsible for fabricating, exaggerating or misrepresenting symptoms and misleading medical staff.
The latest inquiry could also carry significant consequences for the 30-year-old. According to a report by Geo Super, Imam could face a ban of between one and two years following the current controversy.
PCB inquiry becomes next step for Imam
The scrutiny over Imam comes amid substantial changes to Pakistan’s Test setup following the first two matches against England. Head Coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and Bowling Coach Umar Gul were relieved of their roles alongside the changes to the playing squad, with white-ball Head Coach Mike Hesson brought in to lead the Test side and Ashley Noffke joining the red-ball setup.
For Imam, however, the immediate issue is now separate from Pakistan’s wider restructuring. His return from England leaves him facing the PCB inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the calf injury that ruled him out with the bat at Lord’s, with the possibility of legal representation as the process moves forward.
