Inquiry Launched into Imam-ul-Haq's Injury Treatment Amidst Pakistan's Test Defeat

The Pakistan Cricket Board is set to investigate the treatment protocols concerning Imam-ul-Haq's calf injury, which prevented him from batting during a recent Test match against England. Aaqib Javed, a senior member of the selection committee, has raised concerns about the severity of the injury and the management's response. This inquiry follows Pakistan's significant defeat and the recall of several players, including Imam. As the team prepares for the final Test, tensions between management and selectors have surfaced, highlighting the need for clarity in player selection and injury management. Read on to discover the full details of this unfolding situation in Pakistan cricket.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 2, 2026, 14:17 IST

Concerns Raised Over Injury Management

A prominent figure from the Pakistan Cricket Board's selection committee has raised doubts about the seriousness of Imam-ul-Haq's calf injury, prompting a call for an investigation into the treatment protocols. This comes after Imam did not bat during Pakistan's significant 194-run defeat to England in the second Test at Lord's last Sunday.

"An inquiry will be initiated regarding this issue," stated Aaqib Javed, a member of the four-person national selection panel, during an interview with a private news channel on Tuesday night.

"How can it be that a player is unable to bat in both innings after experiencing a muscle pull?" Javed questioned.

"Injuries are part of the game, and we have seen players, even those in casts, make an effort to play. This situation raises serious concerns, and we will take appropriate action."

Former chief selector Mohammad Wasim also voiced his worries in the Pakistani media. Imam suffered the injury while fielding on the first day at Lord's and did not participate for the remainder of the match.

Following Wasim's remarks, Imam was seen in the outfield on the fourth day, visibly limping while shadow-batting, with his left calf heavily bandaged.

Imam was one of seven players recalled from England by the PCB, alongside bowling coach Umar Gul and head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed, after Pakistan's losses at Headingley and Lord's.

White-ball head coach Mike Hesson and bowling coach Ashley Noffke will lead the team for the final Test, which begins in Birmingham on September 9. The selectors have included five uncapped players, along with openers Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal, who collectively have only 10 Tests of experience.

Reports indicate significant disagreements between the team management and Javed regarding the playing XI for the Lord's Test, leading to changes during the tour.

Javed had recommended that head coach and captain Babar Azam include fast bowling all-rounder Ubaid Shah and wicketkeeper-batter Ghazi Ghori, suggesting the exclusion of Mohammad Rizwan for the Lord's Test. However, the management opted to drop Salman Ali Agha, who had captained the team in the first Test due to Babar's injury.

"We cannot continue to wait," Javed emphasized. "I had previously discussed with both the captain and the coach after the first Test about including Ubaid, who bowls at 140 kph. Agha was rightly rested, and Ghazi Ghori, who was available on the tour, should have played instead of Rizwan."