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Former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir has questioned whether Imam-ul-Haq should have made an attempt to bat in the first innings at Lord’s, especially with the three-match Test series still on the line in England.
Imam has reportedly suffered a Grade-1 tear in his left calf and did not come out to bat during Pakistan's first innings in the ongoing second Test against England at Lord's.
Later, Imam was sent for scans after the end of the first day's play. The medical tests revealed the injury, and doctors have advised him to take 10 days of rest. Amid this, Mohammad Yousuf blames "poison" coaches for Babar Azam's decline.
Mohammad Amir takes dig at Imam-ul-Haq after Pakistan's batting collapse
Imam-ul-Haq’s absence could become a major problem for Pakistan, as they were already bowled out for just 110 runs in 38 overs in the first innings at Lord’s. With Imam unavailable, Pakistan will have only 10 available batters and nine wickets when they begin their chase against England.
Reacting to the situation, Mohammad Amir slammed Imam for not showing any effort and even wondered whether the injury is a real one. The former fast bowler has pointed towards past examples where injured players still came out to bat and tried to help their teams.
Mohammad Amir told journalist Muhammad Furqan Bhatti on his YouTube channel: “In my personal opinion, Imam-ul-Haq should have played. We have seen many such examples in the past. Players have played even after breaking an arm, sometimes batting with one hand. Others have played despite hamstring injuries and tears.”
Mohammad Amir says injured Imam-ul-Haq should have batted at Lord's
Since the Test series is still alive, Amir felt Imam should have come out to bat, as he could have stayed at one end and supported the tailenders, even if he was unable to play normally. Amid this, Mohammad Amir predicts 20 more years of misery for Pakistan cricket.
The former fast bowler added, “When a series is already decided, there is no need to take such a risk because an injury could become worse and even affect a player's career. But when the series is still on the line, I feel the player should make the effort.
Even if Imam had come in and simply stayed at one end, stopping the ball and supporting the tail-ender, he could have helped the team. Maybe Pakistan could have added another 20 or 25 runs. Nobody knows what can happen in cricket. Anything is possible, so I feel he should have come out to bat.”
Mohammad Amir questions Imam-ul-Haq's fitness
Amir also questioned why Imam played in the first Test match at Headingley if he was already carrying an injury or was not fully fit. He further said, “And if we are talking about his calf injury, he also had an issue during the first Test match. If he was already injured and not fully fit, then the first question is, "Why did he play that Test match in the first place?”
Mohammad Amir said, "Imam-ul-Haq should have come out to bat in the first innings at Lord's. We have seen players in the past come out to bat with broken arms and hamstring injuries as well." pic.twitter.com/Du9KNGgS75
— Rayham. (@RayhamUnplugged) August 29, 2026
Additionally, Amir has made it clear that he will not return to the Pakistan national team for the 2027 ODI World Cup. The former Pakistan pacer has also revealed that he is now a British citizen, so he is no longer a local player for Pakistan.
