Imam-ul-Haq Faces Potential Two-Year Ban Amid Injury Controversy

Pakistan cricketer Imam-ul-Haq is under investigation for a calf injury sustained during the Test against England, which could lead to a ban of up to two years. The Pakistan Cricket Board is probing the legitimacy of his injury, recalling a previous incident from the New Zealand tour. Alongside Imam, wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan is also facing scrutiny. With significant changes to the squad ahead of the third Test, Pakistan aims to avoid a series clean sweep. Discover the full details of this unfolding situation.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 3, 2026, 00:48 IST

Investigation Launched into Imam-ul-Haq's Injury

In a significant development, Pakistan's cricketer Imam-ul-Haq may be facing a suspension of up to two years due to the ongoing controversy regarding his injury during the second Test against England at Lord's, as reported by a local news outlet.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is currently establishing a high-level committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding Imam's calf injury, according to sources.

If found guilty of misconduct, Imam could receive a ban ranging from one to two years. This situation has also reignited discussions about a previous injury-related incident involving him during Pakistan's tour of New Zealand in March 2025.

During the opening day of the Lord's Test, Imam sustained a low-grade calf strain while fielding and did not participate in batting for either of Pakistan's innings. The team was bowled out for 110 in their first innings after England scored 290, and they were dismissed for 194 while chasing a target of 389, resulting in a 194-run defeat and a 2-0 series loss.

The PCB's investigation was initiated due to concerns regarding the legitimacy of Imam's injury and his subsequent absence from the game.

This inquiry has also brought back to light findings from a previous PCB investigation during the New Zealand tour, where Imam was reportedly found responsible for allegedly misrepresenting his symptoms after being struck on the toe during a net session.

The committee concluded that Imam had misled medical personnel and intentionally made himself unavailable for the opening ODI of that tour.

In related news, wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan is also under scrutiny for disciplinary issues, with the PCB expected to question him soon. His chances of being included in upcoming Pakistan teams appear slim.

Both Imam and Rizwan were part of the seven players released from Pakistan's Test squad following the heavy loss at Lord's. Other players excluded include Salman Agha, Ali Usman, Aamer Jamal, Awais Zafar, and Khurram Shahzad.

Ahead of the third and final Test against England, Pakistan has made significant changes to their squad, adding five uncapped players. Additionally, Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke have joined the Test coaching staff.

The third Test is scheduled to take place at Edgbaston starting September 9, as Pakistan aims to avoid a clean sweep after suffering defeats in the first Test by an innings and the second by 194 runs.