Pakistan cricket is facing another controversy after opener Imam Ul Haq came under scrutiny over the calf injury that kept him out of the second Test against England at Lord’s. Reports suggest that the Pakistan Cricket Board could investigate whether the injury was genuine and whether disciplinary action is warranted. Sources cited by multiple reports have indicated that Imam could potentially face a ban of up to two years if wrongdoing is established. However, no final ban has been announced, and the allegations should not be treated as confirmed until the PCB completes its investigation.
Imam sustained a calf problem during the opening day of the Lord’s Test and did not take part in the remainder of the match. He subsequently missed his opportunity to bat as Pakistan struggled against England. The situation attracted additional attention after Imam was seen participating in batting practice on the sidelines. Former England fast bowler Stuart Broad publicly questioned the circumstances, adding to the debate surrounding the Pakistan batter’s fitness.
The controversy has also revived reports about an earlier dispute involving Imam. According to India Today, the latest incident has brought renewed attention to a 2025 controversy in which a PCB inquiry reportedly recommended disciplinary action over an alleged fake injury. Hindustan Times has similarly reported that the board had previously considered action against Imam following an investigation. These reports are part of the current discussion, but any new disciplinary decision would depend on the findings of the present inquiry.
The latest development comes at a difficult time for Pakistan cricket. England won the first two Tests of the three match series convincingly, defeating Pakistan by an innings and 103 runs at Headingley before securing a 194 run victory at Lord’s. Pakistan’s batting struggled throughout the two matches, with the team unable to produce a total above 200 in either game. The disappointing results prompted the PCB to make significant changes before the final Test.
Seven Pakistan players were sent home ahead of the third Test, including Imam Ul Haq and former captain Mohammad Rizwan. The board also replaced Test head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed with white ball coach Mike Hesson for the remainder of the tour. The sweeping changes have generated considerable discussion about the direction of Pakistan cricket and the management of its senior players.
Mohammad Rizwan’s position has also attracted attention as Pakistan reshapes its Test squad. Rizwan, who has previously held leadership responsibilities in Pakistan’s white ball teams, was among the senior players sent home after the first two Tests. Reports have raised questions about whether he will continue to feature prominently in Pakistan’s future plans, although his long term international career has not been officially declared over. Any decision regarding his future will ultimately depend on the selectors and PCB management.
The situation involving Imam is separate from Rizwan’s selection uncertainty, but both developments highlight the pressure currently surrounding Pakistan cricket. The board is attempting to respond to a disappointing Test campaign while also making changes to the coaching structure and playing squad.
The PCB’s reported investigation into Imam is therefore significant. If the inquiry concludes that the injury was deliberately misrepresented, disciplinary measures could follow. Reports have suggested a possible ban of one to two years, but the exact punishment, if any, will depend on the evidence and the board’s formal decision.
For now, it is important to distinguish between allegations, media reports and confirmed disciplinary decisions. Imam Ul Haq has not been officially handed a two year ban, and the PCB’s investigation will be central to determining what happens next. Likewise, there has been no official announcement ending Mohammad Rizwan’s Pakistan career.
Pakistan will now look to rebuild ahead of the third Test against England, scheduled to begin in Birmingham on September 9. The team has already made major personnel changes, with several less experienced players brought into the squad. The final Test will provide an opportunity for the revised group to respond on the field, while the PCB faces wider questions about selection, player management and the stability of Pakistan cricket.