Former Pakistan selector Muhammad Wasim has accused opening batter Imam-ul-Haq of faking injuries to avoid difficult batting conditions. The allegation emerged after Imam-ul-Haq did not come out to bat on the second day of the second Test at Lord’s, with the team citing a sudden calf injury.
Pakistan, led by Babar Azam, are on the brink of another heavy defeat during their England tour. The Men in Green were bowled out for just 110 in their first innings in response to England’s 290. Ollie Robinson took four wickets. England then extended their lead to 261 runs at stumps on Day 2.
He Should Not Be Unfit - Muhammad Wasim on Imam-ul-Haq’s Injury
Muhammad Wasim has accused Imam-ul-Haq of repeatedly using injuries to avoid difficult batting conditions. Wasim recalled Pakistan’s 2022 Test against England in Multan and claimed the team physiotherapist had warned him that the batter would soon report an injury.
“In the 2022 Multan Test, the physio came to me and warned me in advance that this was going to happen (fake injury) soon. And he did that. He should not be unfit. Then he said it has happened in the past, coaches have complained about it," Wasim said on his YouTube channel.
During the Multan Test, Imam did not open the batting in Pakistan’s fourth innings. Mohammad Rizwan joined Abdullah Shafique at the top of the order, while Imam came in at No. 5 and scored 60 off 104 balls after reportedly suffering a hamstring problem.
We Need to Get Rid of Such Characters - Muhammad Wasim Calls for Action Against Imam-ul-Haq’s Injury
Muhammad Wasim called for stricter action against players who allegedly manipulate their fitness status. He stated that allowing such behaviour to continue could send the wrong message to other members of the Pakistan squad.
“We need to get rid of such characters because the same message goes to others in the team, too. This practice is being repeated, and those in charge need to look into it. We should take action now. In domestic cricket, some players, including this one, do not play on grass pitches."
"They come to bat later when the pitches are flat or turning. If you look at the history, you will know who the repeat offenders are. It’s part of their character. He didn’t come to bat in the lower order. I am sure Sarfaraz Ahmed is noticing this, and they will take action.”
PCB Confirms Imam-ul-Haq’s Calf Strain Ahead of Lord’s Test
Imam-ul-Haq didn't come out to bat during Pakistan’s first innings at Lord’s. The PCB later confirmed that the opener suffered a low-grade strain to his left calf while fielding on Day 1.
“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 confirmed the injury, with Imam receiving treatment from Pakistan’s medical team. The PCB added that his participation in the remainder of the Test would depend on his recovery.
Pakistan are also struggling badly on the field. England bowled them out for 110 in the first innings, although the visitors hit back by removing Ben Duckett, Jordan Cox, and Joe Root. England have extended their lead to 261 runs, with Harry Brook and Emilio Gay at the crease.
Pakistan have not won a Test in England since their nine-wicket victory at Lord’s in 2018. Their batting struggles have made the task even harder, with the visitors yet to cross 200 in any of their three innings in the series.
