Ex-selector Wasim accuses Imam-ul-Haq of faking injuries after Lord's no-show
Former Pakistan chief selector Mohammad Wasim accused opener Imam-ul-Haq of exaggerating or fabricating injuries after Imam did not bat in Pakistan's first innings of the second Test against England at Lord's, having sustained a low-grade calf strain while fielding on the opening day of the match. Wasim made the allegation during an online discussion with Dr Nauman Niaz.
Wasim told viewers that a team physiotherapist had warned him before the 2022 Multan Test that Imam might use similar methods to stay out of action and said the episode at Lord's followed the same pattern. “The physio had actually come to me and told me beforehand,” Wasim said on his YouTube channel about the 2022 Multan Test. “The announcement hadn't even been made yet, and the decision hadn't even been made. I think the player hadn't said anything either. He came and warned me that this was going to happen. And it happened exactly like that. Because of whatever discussions he'd had, he then said that this had happened in the past too, and coaches had complained about similar things.”
Imam missed Pakistan's first-innings batting, forcing a reshuffle that saw Shan Masood and Azan Awais open on the second day at Lord's; Shan was caught behind off Jofra Archer for one from 11 deliveries, Awais top-scored with 46, Saud Shakeel's 16 was the only other double-digit score, and Pakistan were bowled out for 110 in fewer than 38 overs.
Wasim warned that the national side might be reverting to problematic patterns and linked the issue to recent leadership changes, saying action was needed. “I think we need to get rid of such characters, because look at the message this sends to everyone else inside the team,” Wasim added. “What precedent are you setting? This has become repetitive. As they say, when something keeps repeating, it's no longer a coincidence. I think we need to look into this, whoever is doing whatever they're doing. And the second thing is, maybe since Babar is captain again, we're going back in that direction.”
Commenting specifically on Imam's absence from the opening slot at Lord's, Wasim said he expected the batter to play before the order was changed repeatedly. “I thought he'd come out to open (at Lord’s), but he didn't. Then they kept moving him further down the order, and eventually he didn't come out at all. I'm sure Sarfaraz and the others are watching these things, and they'll take action against it,” he concluded.
The Pakistan Cricket Board issued a medical update on Imam's condition, stating: "Pakistan opening batter Imam-ul-Haq sustained a strain to his left calf muscle while fielding on the opening day of the second Test against England at Lord’s." "Scans later confirmed low grade calf strain and Imam is currently receiving treatment under the supervision of the Pakistan's medical team." "His participation in the remainder of the Test depends on treatment leading to recovery," read the statement from PCB.
Pakistan are chasing 389 runs to win the Lord's Test, and the PCB's assessment that Imam's participation "depends on treatment leading to recovery" will determine whether he can take any further part in the match.