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In a massive development, Imam-ul-Haq has received permission from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to play domestic cricket. The opening batter’s decision came amid the controversy over the fake injury on the England tour.
After being sent back from the England tour, Imam reportedly came under investigation by Pakistan's National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA). Amid this, Lahore Qalandars owner is keen to join BPL after discussions with Tamim Iqbal.
PCB allows Imam-ul-Haq to return to Domestic Cricket
Imam has been allowed to return to domestic cricket by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The Pakistan opener was barred from even domestic cricket while facing an inquiry by the National Cyber Crime Cell (NCCA) over alleged leaks of dressing-room information and issues related to online betting and gambling.
The decision comes shortly after Mohammad Rizwan was also allowed to return to domestic action. Imam-ul-Haq will now represent Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) in the final round of the President's Trophy Grade-I.
Mohsin Naqvi-led NCCIA probes Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Rizwan
Pakistan's interior minister and PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi is in charge of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA). It was reported that the phones of Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Rizwan were seized during the England tour, while their bank details and text messages were also inspected.
Rizwan was criticized heavily over his performances, while Imam was part of the controversy over faking an injury. During the Lord's Test, Imam suffered a low-grade calf strain while fielding in England's first innings.
According to the PCB, the injury prevented him from batting in either inning. Amid this, Babar Azam reaches 16,000 international runs during Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI.
Imam-ul-Haq accused of faking injuries before
However, former England fast bowler Stuart Broad criticized Imam after he was seen practicing batting with his calf heavily wrapped, questioning the seriousness of the injury. The incident brought back earlier allegations about Imam's fitness issues.
Former Pakistan chief selector Mohammad Wasim then claimed that Imam had a history of pretending to be injured. Wasim also revealed that a team physiotherapist had informed him about an alleged fake injury involving the opening batter during the 2022 Multan Test.
PCB investigates Imam-ul-Haq over alleged ink trick to fake toe injury
Another controversy reportedly took place during Pakistan's 2025 tour of New Zealand. A PCB investigation looked into allegations that Imam had used ink to make it appear that he had a toe injury. The batter had reportedly complained of severe pain, but X-rays showed no fracture.
The team doctor reportedly used chemically treated paper to remove the black stain from his toe. With Imam now cleared to play domestic cricket, attention will be on his return to the field as the buzz around these incidents continues to make the headlines.
Investigation may end soon
The investigation involving Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq may soon reach its final stage. The Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter attended the most recent session with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency in Lahore on October 10.
According to a source, things have become calmer since then, raising hopes that the matter could be settled soon. However, the agency has not yet officially confirmed that the investigation is over. The devices remain with the NCCA for forensic examination as part of the inquiry.
Pakistan is currently hosting England and Sri Lanka in the ODI Tri-series, and they won their previous game by 37 runs in the series on Sunday, October 18.
