Imam faces inquiry over injury and disciplinary proceedings

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, September 3, 2026

The Pakistan Cricket Board has initiated disciplinary action against batsman Imam-ul-Haq for not batting during the recent Lord’s Test, despite his reported calf injury, amid doubts over his commitment expressed by the board’s director of high performance. This controversy contributed to a major team overhaul, including the sacking of seven players and coaches ahead of the final Test at Edgbaston, signaling a push for improved competitiveness.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced disciplinary proceedings against batsman Imam-ul-Haq following his decision not to bat during the recent Test match at Lord’s, where Pakistan suffered a 194-run defeat. Imam sustained a calf tear early in the match, but the PCB’s director of high performance, Aaqib Javed, expressed skepticism about the severity of the injury and the player’s absence from both innings.

In an interview with Pakistan’s Geo television, Aaqib questioned Imam’s commitment, stating that past players have often played through injuries, even with casts, and suggesting that Imam should have at least attempted to bat. “A muscle pull like that cannot stop you from batting altogether,” Aaqib said. He emphasized that Imam would face a formal inquiry but stopped short of accusing him of faking the injury.

Ahead of the second day of the match, the PCB had issued a statement confirming that the 30-year-old, who is the nephew of former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq, had suffered a tear in his left calf. Nevertheless, Imam was seen warming up with his teammates, which led to criticism from England pacer Stuart Broad, who described the warm-up as “all for show.” Imam did not bat in either innings; Shan Masood replaced him as the opening batsman in the second innings.

Following the defeat at Lord’s, the PCB undertook a significant overhaul of the squad, dropping seven players, including Imam, and sending them home. The board also dismissed head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and assistant coach Umar Gul. Seven new players, including five uncapped players, were called up for the upcoming final Test at Edgbaston, scheduled to begin next Wednesday.

Aaqib cited poor team performance and selection decisions as reasons for the changes, noting that “two Test matches have come and gone and the team has not competed in any way.” He criticized the choices made by the head coach and captain Babar Azam, suggesting that available options such as a pace all-rounder, a second wicketkeeper, and fast bowler Ubaid Shah were overlooked.

The new squad has already arrived in England, with interim head coach Mike Hesson, who also leads Pakistan’s white-ball team, joining the side ahead of the third Test. Meanwhile, England named a 15-man squad for the final Test, retaining pace bowler Sonny Baker but leaving out Matthew Fisher and Brydon Carse. Carse’s omission follows an ongoing investigation into an incident that occurred in Derby town center 11 days earlier.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.