The Imam ul Haq injury controversy has taken another turn after reports claimed that the Pakistan opener had faced similar questions about his fitness in the past.
Imam did not bat in either innings of the second Test between Pakistan and England at Lord’s after suffering a calf injury on the opening day.
His decision not to come out to bat attracted strong criticism from cricket experts and fans. The debate became bigger when Imam was seen warming up with his calf heavily taped ahead of the fourth day.
The images quickly went viral on social media, with former England pacer Stuart Broad also questioning the situation.
PCB reportedly investigating Imam ul Haq injury
According to a report by GEO Sports, the Pakistan Cricket Board is investigating Imam’s latest injury. The report has also brought up an earlier incident from 2025, when an inquiry reportedly questioned whether Imam had accurately represented the seriousness of an injury. The incident took place during Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand in March 2025.
What happened during Pakistan’s New Zealand tour?
According to the report, Imam was hit on the toe during a practice session before an ODI. An X-ray reportedly showed no fracture or dislocation, although Imam complained of severe pain.
A medical staff member later noticed a black mark on the injured area and cleaned it with chemically treated paper. The PCB inquiry reportedly concluded that the mark was not a natural blood stain and appeared to be ink or a marker.
The committee also reportedly observed that Imam was limping at certain times but appeared to walk normally at other moments. The report further claimed that Imam was advised to rest but later walked around 500 metres to attend an iftar gathering.
PCB inquiry made serious allegations
According to the report, the inquiry committee found no evidence of a serious injury. It reportedly held Imam responsible for fabricating, exaggerating or misrepresenting symptoms and misleading medical staff.
The report claimed that the committee believed the incident was an attempt to avoid opening the batting in New Zealand’s fast and challenging conditions.
It also claimed that the committee recommended a ban on Imam from playing cricket in Pakistan at any level. These are allegations reported by GEO Sports and should not be treated as an official finding unless confirmed by the PCB or Imam himself.
Mohammad Wasim recalls another incident
The latest controversy has also brought back comments from former Pakistan chief selector Mohammad Wasim.
Wasim previously claimed that he had been warned about a possible injury issue involving Imam during a Test match in Multan in 2022. According to Wasim, a team physiotherapist had told him about the situation before any official decision had been made.
Wasim also claimed that similar concerns had been raised about Imam in the past. His comments were made during an interaction on Dr Nauman Niaz’s YouTube channel.
Why is Imam ul Haq facing criticism?
The latest controversy started because Imam did not bat in either innings of the Lord’s Test despite Pakistan needing runs. The situation became more noticeable after he was seen warming up before the fourth day with his injured calf taped.
Several fans and former cricketers compared his situation with players who have batted despite serious injuries. The debate has now moved beyond the Lord’s Test because of the earlier allegations surrounding Imam’s fitness.