Imam-ul-Haq Injury Controversy Deepens After Report of PCB Inquiry

Imam-ul-Haq injury controversy has taken another turn after a report in Pakistani media claimed that the Pakistan cricket Board (PCB) had considered banning the batter following an inquiry into an alleged fake-injury incident during the team’s 2025 tour of New Zealand.

The fresh claims have emerged after Imam came under scrutiny during the second Test against England at Lord’s. The Pakistan opener suffered a calf injury on the opening day and did not bat during Pakistan’s second innings. However, footage of him practising batting before Day 4 attracted attention because he was seen with tape around his left calf.

Former England pacer Stuart Broad and former Australia batter David Warner subsequently questioned the circumstances surrounding the injury, adding to the controversy.

Report revives 2025 injury controversy

According to a report by Geo News, the latest incident has brought renewed attention to a PCB inquiry that reportedly took place following Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand in March 2025.

The report claimed that an inquiry committee investigated an incident involving Imam after a ball struck the right big toe of his right foot during an indoor training session on March 28, 2025.

An X-ray reportedly did not show a fracture or another significant injury. Despite this, Imam allegedly continued to report severe pain and discolouration in the affected area.

The report further claimed that medical staff advised him against walking. However, sources cited by the publication alleged that Imam later walked around 500 metres to attend an iftar gathering.

Inquiry reportedly questioned the injury claim

The most serious allegation in the reported inquiry concerned the discolouration on Imam’s toe. According to the report, team medical staff used chemically treated paper while cleaning the area, after which the black mark allegedly disappeared.

The inquiry report reportedly concluded that the mark was not consistent with a natural blood mark and suggested that it may have been caused by ink or a marker.

Team officials also reportedly told the committee that Imam appeared to limp when medical personnel were present but walked normally when they were not around.

Imam denied the allegations, but the reported findings of the inquiry committee were critical of his explanation. The committee reportedly found inconsistencies between his account, the medical evidence and information provided by team officials.

PCB committee reportedly recommended a ban

The report claimed that the inquiry committee found no medical basis for declaring Imam unavailable for the ODI series in New Zealand.

It reportedly accused him of fabricating, exaggerating or misrepresenting symptoms, misleading medical staff and deliberately attempting to make himself unavailable for the opening ODI.

According to the report, the committee went as far as recommending that Imam be banned from representing Pakistan in all formats and at every level.

These claims remain allegations reported by Pakistani media and should be distinguished from confirmed disciplinary action. The available report does not establish that such a ban was ultimately imposed on Imam.

Latest Lord’s injury adds to scrutiny

The resurfacing of the 2025 allegations comes at a difficult time for Imam. His latest injury occurred during a Test in which Pakistan suffered a heavy defeat against England.

Imam did not bat in Pakistan’s second innings after suffering the calf problem. His absence became a talking point after he was seen batting in the nets before the fourth day of the Test.

The incident drew criticism from several former international cricketers, who questioned whether his injury was as serious as initially believed. However, the exact medical condition of the batter should ultimately be assessed by the team’s medical staff rather than speculation based solely on footage.

Previous questions over Imam’s fitness

The latest report also claimed that the 2025 New Zealand incident was not the first time Imam’s fitness had attracted questions.

Former Pakistan selector Mohammad Wasim reportedly raised allegations concerning another fitness-related incident during a home series in 2022.

The emergence of those claims alongside the latest Lord’s controversy has increased scrutiny on Imam and could make the Pakistan team management more cautious when assessing his fitness for future matches.

Pakistan facing selection pressure

The controversy comes as Pakistan prepares for the third and final Test against England. The team has already endured a difficult series, losing both of the opening matches and struggling significantly with the bat.

Pakistan’s batting problems have placed additional pressure on the selection panel to make changes before the final Test. Young players are reportedly being considered as the team looks for a stronger response.

For Imam, the immediate priority will be establishing clarity over his fitness and availability. If Pakistan’s selectors decide to make significant changes, his place in the XI could come under further scrutiny.

What happens next?

The latest claims are likely to keep the Imam-ul-Haq injury controversy in the spotlight, particularly because they involve allegations from a previous PCB inquiry. Any decision regarding his future would depend on verified medical information, the findings of the relevant authorities and the selection committee’s assessment.

For now, the reported 2025 inquiry and the events at Lord’s have created an increasingly complicated situation for Imam. Pakistan will need to resolve the issue quickly as it prepares for the final Test, while also attempting to address the wider problems that have contributed to its disappointing performances in England.

FAQs

1. What is the latest Imam-ul-Haq injury controversy?

Imam-ul-Haq’s calf injury at Lord’s has attracted scrutiny after he was seen practising batting before Day 4 despite not batting in Pakistan’s second innings.

2. Did the PCB ban Imam-ul-Haq in 2025?

A reported PCB inquiry allegedly recommended a ban, but the report does not establish that such a ban was ultimately imposed.

3. What happened during Pakistan’s 2025 New Zealand tour?

A reported PCB inquiry investigated an alleged injury involving Imam’s toe during an indoor training session and questioned the medical basis of his unavailability.

4. What did the reported inquiry conclude?

The committee reportedly accused Imam of misleading medical staff and recommended disciplinary action, including a possible ban.

5. Why was Imam criticised during the Lord’s Test?

He was questioned after being seen practising batting with tape around his calf after missing Pakistan’s batting innings because of the injury.

6. Who questioned Imam’s injury at Lord’s?

Former England pacer Stuart Broad and former Australia batter David Warner publicly questioned the circumstances surrounding the injury.

7. Has Imam denied the 2025 allegations?

Yes. The report states that Imam denied the allegations made during the reported PCB inquiry.

8. What is next for Imam-ul-Haq?

His fitness, selection and the handling of the latest controversy will be closely watched as Pakistan prepares for the third Test against England.