PCB Orders Probe Into Imam-ul-Haq Injury After Pakistan’s Lord’s Defeat
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM — WEB DESK: The Pakistan Cricket Board is reportedly preparing major changes to the national Test setup after a crushing series defeat in England, including a high-level review of opener Imam-ul-Haq’s calf injury following questions raised over his absence from much of the second Test at Lord’s.
Pakistan suffered a 194-run defeat at Lord’s on Sunday, giving England an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. England had earlier won the opening Test at Headingley by an innings and 103 runs. Reuters confirmed the Lord’s result, with Pakistan dismissed for 194 while chasing 389 despite Saud Shakeel’s fighting 97.
Following the latest defeat, Pakistan’s team management held an emergency meeting in London at which several changes were discussed.
Imam-ul-Haq Injury to Be Investigated
The most sensitive decision concerns Imam.
Express reports that the PCB has decided to conduct a high-level investigation into questions surrounding the opener’s calf injury, including a review of his medical report and the role of team management.
However, it is important to distinguish questions about the injury from evidence that it was fabricated.
The PCB had officially confirmed during the Test that Imam suffered a low-grade strain to his left calf while fielding on the opening day. Scans were conducted and he received treatment from Pakistan’s medical team.
Accordingly, describing the injury as definitively “fake” would be inaccurate at this stage.
Former Pakistan chief selector Mohammad Wasim publicly questioned Imam’s injury and alleged that there had been similar incidents in the past. Those remarks intensified scrutiny of the opener but remain allegations rather than findings of a PCB inquiry.
The reported investigation is expected to examine the medical evidence before any conclusions are drawn.
Rizwan and Imam Could Be Sent Home
The post-Lord’s overhaul could extend beyond the injury inquiry.
According to Express and separate current reporting, the PCB has decided to send Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq back to Pakistan ahead of the third Test.
Rizwan’s form and shot selection have reportedly caused particular concern within the team setup.
Pakistan’s batting has struggled throughout the tour. In the first Test at Headingley, the visitors were dismissed for 171 and 136, losing by an innings and 103 runs. At Lord’s, Pakistan collapsed for only 110 in the first innings.
Even in the second innings, when Saud Shakeel produced a determined 97, Pakistan could only reach 194 while pursuing a target of 389.
The sequence has intensified pressure on selectors, players and coaching staff ahead of the final Test.
Six Players Reportedly Called to England
Pakistan are also preparing to bring reinforcements into the squad.
A separate Express Urdu report on the proposed overhaul says six players have been called to England, although travel arrangements for some depend on visas.
Among the names being strongly linked with the third Test are Saim Ayub and Arafat Minhas.
The reports should be treated carefully until the PCB issues a final revised squad.
Calling players to England does not automatically mean all six will be selected in the playing XI at Edgbaston.
Mike Hesson Could Take Charge for Third Test
Changes could also affect Pakistan’s coaching structure.
Current reporting indicates that Mike Hesson, who has been working with Pakistan’s white-ball setup, could take responsibility for the team during the third Test, while former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed’s immediate role is under scrutiny.
This remains a reported management decision rather than a formally announced permanent coaching change.
It would therefore be premature to state that Sarfaraz has been permanently dismissed from Pakistan’s red-ball setup unless the PCB confirms such a move.
England Clinch Series at Lord’s
The sweeping changes follow two emphatic defeats.
At Lord’s, England set Pakistan a daunting 389-run target before reducing the visitors to 14 for three early in their chase. Shakeel mounted the strongest resistance with 97 but could not prevent another comprehensive loss.
England paceman Ollie Robinson finished with four wickets for 24 runs in Pakistan’s second innings and match figures of eight for 35, taking his series tally to 16 wickets.
Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Abbas was one of the visitors’ few standout performers, claiming five wickets in England’s second innings and earning a place on the Lord’s Honours Board.
England’s victory secured an unbeatable 2-0 series lead with one Test remaining.
Pakistan Batting Under Intense Pressure
Pakistan’s top-order performance has emerged as the central cricketing problem of the tour.
Captain Babar Azam, who missed the first Test before returning at Lord’s, was unable to provide the major innings Pakistan needed in the second match.
Across the opening two Tests, Pakistan have repeatedly struggled against England’s seam attack, particularly Robinson, Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue.
Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has responded by directing criticism not only at the players but also at the PCB, selectors and coaching structure. His comments reflect mounting external pressure following the series defeat but remain his personal assessment of the board’s performance.
Third Test Begins September 9
Pakistan will now have more than a week to regroup before the third and final Test at Edgbaston in Birmingham, beginning September 9.
England have already secured the series, meaning Pakistan cannot level it. The visitors can, however, avoid a 3-0 clean sweep.
The coming days are therefore likely to bring further scrutiny of the squad, coaching structure and Imam’s medical situation.
The most important distinction concerns the opener’s injury: the PCB had previously confirmed scans showed a low-grade calf strain, while former players subsequently questioned its authenticity.
