Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq (Reuters)
Speaking about Imam’s alleged injury history, Wasim said: “In 2022 Multan test, the physio warned me in advance that he is going to fake an injury soon. Wasim’s remarks have added another layer to the controversy surrounding Imam, who missed Pakistan’s ongoing second Test against England after the Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed that scans showed a low-grade calf strain. The PCB subsequently confirmed the nature of the injury. Imam had opened the innings alongside young Azan Awais during the first Test at Leeds, which Pakistan lost by an innings inside three days.
Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq’s calf injury has come under fresh scrutiny after former chief selector Mohammad Wasim made a startling claim about the batter’s history of allegedly faking injuries. Imam was ruled out of the remainder of the Lord’s Test against England after suffering a left calf strain while fielding on the opening day. And he did that. Imam picked up the injury during the opening day of the Lord’s Test and spent time away from the field during Thursday’s evening session. He was subsequently unable to take part in the remainder of the Lord’s Test, leaving Pakistan without one of their established opening batters. Pakistan’s problems at Lord’s extended well beyond Imam’s absence.
However, Wasim has now alleged that the batter had previously used injury concerns to avoid playing, and claimed he was warned about one such incident before it happened.
England took a commanding position after bowling Pakistan out for just 110, securing a first-innings advantage of 180 runs. The visitors had yet to reach 180 in an innings during the series. Join conversation Share your thoughts in the comments Be respectful · TOI community guidelines England’s pace attack made the most of the conditions, with Ollie Robinson producing figures of 4-11 from 13 overs, including six maidens. Jofra Archer claimed 3-26 from 11.2 overs, while Josh Tongue took two wickets and Gus Atkinson went wicketless. Pakistan were dismissed in only 37.2 overs, having returned to bat less than a few hours after England had been bowled out for 290. By the end of the second day, England had stretched their overall lead to 261 runs after reaching 81-3 in their second innings before bad light brought an early close.
Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Ali did manage to remove Ben Duckett, Jordan Cox and Joe Root in the final session, but England remained firmly in control. Wasim’s allegation now puts the spotlight on Imam’s injury record, although the PCB has officially diagnosed his latest setback as a low-grade calf strain. Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.
Imam-ul-Haq’s Test Participation Uncertain Due to Calf Injury
Imam-ul-Haq has been diagnosed with a low-grade calf strain, confirmed by scans. He is currently undergoing treatment under the supervision of the Pakistan medical team. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has stated that his ability to participate in the remainder of the Test match will depend on the progress of his recovery from this injury.