Imam-ul-Haq to face investigation over Lord’s no-show

Imam-ul-Haq is likely to face an investigation over his no-show in the Lord’s Test, it is learnt. Imam, the team’s designated opener, didn’t bat in either innings at Lord’s, citing a calf injury. Pakistan lost the Test by 194 runs to concede the three-match series.

Imam, along with six other cricketers, has been sent back to Pakistan ahead of the final Test at Edgbaston from September 9. A mid-series red-ball coaching swap has taken place, with Mike Hesson taking over from Sarfaraz Ahmed. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has showcaused the selection committee over the selection of Imam and Muhammad Rizwan for the series. It led to Misbah-ul-Haq’s resignation from the selection panel.

Imam’s non-participation in the second Test didn’t go down well with the pundits during the match itself, with former England fast bowler Stuart Broad accusing him of “putting on a show” as he spoke on Sky Sports. Now, Aaqib Javed, the PCB’s director of high performance, has launched a scathing attack on the opening batsman, promising “action”.

“The Imam injury is a big question mark, and a deep disappointment,” Aaqib told Geo network. “Players in the past used to get injuries, but they used to put on casts and still tried (to play). We will take action against this. How is it possible that a pulled muscle ruled you out of batting in both innings? He should have tried and fought. He will have to face an inquiry… I can’t say he faked it, but a muscle pull like that cannot stop you from batting altogether.”

Following Aaqib’s outburst, Imam will now have to face an inquiry, according to sources. People related to Pakistan cricket aren’t ruling out the possibility of a ban either.

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