PCB is reportedly setting up a high-level inquiry after questions were raised over Imam’s calf injury during the England Test.
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM — WEB DESK: Pakistan batter Imam-ul-Haq could face a ban of up to two years following controversy surrounding his injury during the second Test against England at Lord’s, according to sources cited by Geo News.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly establishing a high-level investigation committee to examine the circumstances surrounding Imam’s calf injury.
However, the possible ban has not been confirmed. Any disciplinary action would depend on the findings of the PCB investigation and Imam-ul-Haq’s response.
PCB investigating Lord’s injury
Imam suffered a low-grade strain to his left calf while fielding on the opening day of the Lord’s Test.
The PCB officially confirmed on August 28 that scans had identified the injury and that the opener was receiving treatment under the supervision of the Pakistan team’s medical staff.
Imam subsequently did not bat in either innings.
Pakistan were dismissed for 110 in their first innings after England made 290. In the second innings, Pakistan were chasing 389 but were bowled out for 194, handing England a 194-run victory and an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-Test series.
The decision not to bat in either innings prompted questions within Pakistan cricket, with the PCB now reportedly preparing a formal inquiry.
Possible ban remains unconfirmed
According to sources cited by Geo News, Imam could potentially face a ban ranging from one to two years if the PCB inquiry determines that disciplinary rules were breached.
The report does not establish that Imam deliberately faked his Lord’s injury.
The reported disciplinary possibility therefore remains subject to investigation, and it would be inappropriate to treat the alleged conduct as established fact.
Previous injury controversy resurfaces
The latest controversy has also revived questions about an earlier incident involving Imam during Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand in March 2025.
According to sources cited by Geo News, a PCB inquiry committee previously held Imam responsible for allegedly fabricating, exaggerating or misrepresenting symptoms after he was struck on the right big toe during an indoor training session.
The committee reportedly concluded that Imam had attempted to make himself unavailable for an upcoming ODI and recommended disciplinary action.
Those findings are now being cited as part of the background to the latest investigation, but the current Lord’s injury remains a separate matter that has yet to be conclusively determined.
Imam sent home ahead of third Test
Imam was among seven players released from Pakistan’s Test squad following the team’s heavy defeats against England.
The changes came after Pakistan lost the opening Test at Headingley by an innings and 103 runs before suffering the 194-run defeat at Lord’s.
The PCB also replaced red-ball head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed with white-ball coach Mike Hesson for the remainder of the England tour.
Imam returned to Pakistan alongside wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, while a number of younger players were brought into the squad for the third and final Test. Reuters confirmed that Imam was among the seven players sent home following the Lord’s defeat.
Investigation will determine next steps
For now, the reported two-year ban remains a potential disciplinary outcome rather than a confirmed punishment.
The PCB’s investigation is expected to examine the circumstances of Imam’s injury, his medical assessment and his decision not to bat during either innings.
Any final action will depend on the evidence gathered and the board’s findings.
Pakistan are preparing for the third Test against England at Edgbaston in Birmingham, beginning on September 9, while the controversy surrounding Imam-ul-Haq adds another layer to a difficult England tour for the national side.
