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Pakistan National Cricket Team opening batter Imam-ul-Haq is gearing up for a fresh off-field battle after reportedly consulting his legal team over comments made by former Pakistan chief selector Mohammad Wasim about his injury history.
Imam didn’t come to bat in either of the innings during the recent second Test against England at Lord’s, but he was seen doing some stretches on the ground. This led many to accuse him of faking injury. Earlier, Rashid Latif questioned the PCB’s “remote control”.
Imam-ul-Haq set for legal battle with Mohammad Wasim
As reported by Daily Times, Imam-ul-Haq is looking at the possibility of sending a defamation notice to Mohammad Wasim after the end of the ongoing three-match Test series in England.
Interestingly, the allegations made by Wasim have not been proven as facts yet. They remain claims, but Imam has reportedly started discussing his options with his legal team.
If Imam decides to move ahead with a defamation case, the matter could become one of the biggest off-field controversies in Pakistan cricket. The timing also makes the situation more significant because Pakistan is already facing a troublesome time both on and off the field.
Imam-ul-Haq’s injury row takes fresh turn as PCB plans inquiry
The controversy started when Imam was ruled out of the Lord’s Test because of a left calf injury suffered while fielding. Later, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had confirmed that scans showed a low-grade calf strain. However, the opener’s absence soon became the subject of debate after questions were raised about the circumstances behind the injury.
During a television program, Mohammad Wasim made allegations about Imam’s past injury record. He claimed that Imam had earlier used injuries as a reason to avoid tough situations. Wasim specifically brought up the 2022 Test against England in Multan and claimed that a team physiotherapist had already warned him before the match that Imam could report an injury.
These claims have added more pressure on both Imam and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The PCB has hinted that an inquiry would be carried out into the circumstances surrounding Imam’s absence from the Lord’s Test against England. The opening batter could face further questions over the latest injury and the events that led to him missing an important Test.
PCB questions selection of Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Rizwan
Meanwhile, Pakistan cricket could be heading towards another major shake-up, with senior selector Aaqib Javed reportedly facing the possibility of removal as part of PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s wider clean-up plan. Amid this, PSL 2027: PCB faces scheduling dilemma as broadcasters and franchises want different windows.
Former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq has resigned from his role as a selector, although it is still not clear whether the PCB has officially accepted his resignation. Misbah’s decision came after the PCB issued a show-cause notice to the selection committee.
The board wanted an explanation for the selection of Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Rizwan in Pakistan’s Test squads for the West Indies and England tours. The PCB has also sent notices to members of its selection and advisory committees.
They have been asked to explain why Imam and Rizwan were picked for the England tour and what criteria were followed while preparing the team’s selection policy. These developments have added to the growing pressure on Pakistan’s selection system.
