The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly issued a show-cause notice to opening batter Imam-ul-Haq over his calf injury. The left-handed batter has reportedly been given 48 hours to explain the circumstances surrounding the injury, with the board considering disciplinary action based on his response.
Pakistan suffered a 194-run defeat to England in the second Test at the Lord’s Cricket Ground in London. Imam did not bat in either innings after picking up the injury. Following the match, the PCB sent him and six other players home as part of a major mid-series squad overhaul ahead of the third Test in Birmingham.
PCB Could Hand Imam-ul-Haq Two-Year Ban Over Injury Controversy
According to a report by Geo News, Imam-ul-Haq could face a two-year ban from all forms of cricket if the PCB is not satisfied with his written response. The board could also terminate his central contract, which would be a major setback for the veteran opener.
Imam is reportedly seeking legal advice before formally responding to the inquiry. He suffered the calf injury while fielding during England’s first innings at Lord’s, where subsequent scans reportedly showed a low-grade tear that ruled him out of the rest of the match.
The controversy intensified after Imam was sent home along with six other players following Pakistan’s second consecutive heavy defeat in the series. The PCB then made major changes to the squad and coaching staff ahead of the third and final Test in Birmingham.
Imam-ul-Haq’s Lord’s Injury Raises Questions
The PCB’s concerns grew after Imam-ul-Haq was spotted on the outfield before play on the fourth day of the Lord’s Test. Although he had been ruled out of the match, the batter took part in shadow batting and throwdowns with his left calf heavily strapped.
Imam appeared to be limping during the training session, drawing attention from former players and commentators. Former England pacer Stuart Broad questioned the incident on broadcast and accused Imam of “putting on an act”, adding to the scrutiny surrounding the injury.
Former Pakistan chief selector Muhammad Wasim also spoke about Imam’s previous fitness concerns. Wasim revealed that former Pakistan team physiotherapist Cliffe Deacon had raised questions about Imam’s injury patterns during the 2022 home Test series against England.
2025 Toe Injury Controversy Comes Back Into Focus
The Lord’s incident has brought an earlier medical controversy from Pakistan’s 2025 tour of New Zealand back into focus. During an indoor net session on March 28, 2025, Imam-ul-haq was reportedly hit on his right big toe. However, an X-ray showed no fracture or dislocation.
A PCB inquiry later examined a dark mark on Imam’s toe, which reportedly disappeared after a team doctor cleaned the area with chemically treated paper. Imam denied using any artificial substance, but the inquiry reportedly found inconsistencies in his explanation and behaviour.
Team officials told the committee that Imam appeared to limp while under medical observation but walked normally when he attended a private iftar gathering. The committee accused him of fabricating his symptoms and recommended a ban, but the PCB did not impose the suspension at the time.
