Imam-ul-Haq returns to Pakistan as PCB opens inquiry over Lord's calf injury
Imam-ul-Haq has returned home from England after missing both innings of the Lord's Test with a calf problem and now faces a Pakistan Cricket Board inquiry while preparing to seek legal counsel, the development coming after Pakistan's 194-run defeat at Lord's that left them 2-0 down in the three-match series.
Imam was one of seven players released from the Test squad following the Lord's loss, a mid-tour squad overhaul that has prompted questions about internal events on the tour; the Pakistan board confirmed scans showed a low-grade calf strain and that he was ruled out of the remainder of the Test.
A team insider said: "Imam is in big trouble, and he is also likely to seek legal counsel when he has to appear to face an inquiry committee of the Board which will look into his calf muscle injury." The injury occurred while Imam was fielding on the opening day at Lord's and was initially described by the PCB as a strain to his left calf.
Former Pakistan chief selector Mohammad Wasim has alleged previous questionable injury episodes involving Imam, saying former team physio Cliffe Deacon warned him before the 2022 Multan Test against England that Imam might fake an injury; Imam has not publicly accepted that allegation.
The current episode has revived reporting around Pakistan's 2025 tour of New Zealand, when a PCB inquiry reportedly examined an alleged fake toe injury and recommended severe disciplinary action including a ban; no ban was imposed and Imam continued playing international cricket.
Former England bowler Stuart Broad also commented after seeing Imam train on the sidelines with strapping on his calf, accusing him of "putting on an act." Despite the accusations and scrutiny, there is currently no established evidence that Imam fabricated the latest calf injury and the PCB confirmed the strain.
Imam's international experience—31 Tests, 75 ODIs and two T20Is—has been noted amid questions over his credibility within the squad and the broader controversy surrounding his availability.
Pakistan will aim to respond in the third Test, which starts in Birmingham on September 9, as the PCB inquiry and any legal steps involving Imam proceed.
