8 hrs ago
PCB Investigates Imam-ul-Haq Injury After Lord’s Test Controversy
Imam-ul-Haq hurt his left calf while playing against England at Lord’s.
Pakistan’s cricket board said scans showed a small muscle injury, although one report called it a tear.
Imam did not bat in either innings of the Test.
Later, people saw him practicing batting while his calf was heavily taped.
This made some former Pakistan players question whether the injury was being handled honestly.
A PCB official said the situation was concerning and that an inquiry would be held.
Imam was sent home with six other players after Pakistan lost its first two Tests.
Reports say he may get legal advice before speaking to the inquiry committee.
Imam-ul-Haq injured his left calf while fielding on August 27 during Pakistan’s Lord’s Test against England.
The PCB said scans confirmed a low-grade calf strain, while another report described the injury as a tear.
Imam did not bat in either innings but was later seen taking throwdowns with heavy calf strapping.
PCB selection committee member Aaqib Javed said the circumstances raised concern and warranted action.
Imam and six other players were sent home after Pakistan lost its first two Tests, and he may seek legal counsel during the inquiry.
- Who
- Pakistan batter Imam-ul-Haq, the Pakistan Cricket Board, selection committee member Aaqib Javed, and officials involved in the inquiry.
- What
- The PCB is investigating Imam’s calf injury after he did not bat in either innings of the second Test but was later seen taking throwdowns.
- Where
- Lord’s, during Pakistan’s second Test against England.
- When
- The injury occurred on August 27; the inquiry was announced after Pakistan’s first two Tests of the England tour.
- Why
- Questions arose because Imam was unable to bat during the match but was later seen practicing with heavy calf strapping.
Injury Was Medically Confirmed
Injury Warrants Investigation
Medical evidence
Injury Was Medically Confirmed
The PCB said scans confirmed a low-grade left-calf strain and that Imam was receiving treatment under the supervision of Pakistan’s medical team.
Injury Warrants Investigation
Officials and former players questioned how Imam could be unable to bat in both innings while later taking throwdowns with his leg taped.
Interpretation of the throwdowns
Injury Was Medically Confirmed
Seeing Imam practice with heavy strapping does not, by itself, establish that the injury was fabricated.
Injury Warrants Investigation
Aaqib Javed said players had previously batted while wearing casts or plasters, making Imam’s failure to bat a matter of concern.
Earlier injury concerns
Injury Was Medically Confirmed
The current reports do not establish that Imam faked either the current injury or earlier injuries.
Injury Warrants Investigation
Former chief selector Mohammad Wasim previously said physiotherapist Cliffe Deacon had raised concerns about suspicious injury patterns involving Imam during Pakistan’s 2022 England series.
Key facts
- Player
- Imam-ul-Haq
- Reported injury
- A low-grade strain to the left calf muscle; one report described it as a tear
- Match
- Pakistan’s second Test against England at Lord’s
- Injury date
- August 27
- Match participation
- Imam did not bat in either innings
- PCB response
- An inquiry will examine the injury and the circumstances surrounding it
- Squad change
- Imam and six other players were sent home after Pakistan’s first two Tests
Quotes
A Pakistan team insider
Unnamed source familiar with the Pakistan team
“Imam is in big trouble, and he is also likely to seek legal counsel when he has to appear to face an inquiry committee of the Board, which will look into his calf muscle injury”
livemint.com
“How is it possible that you failed to come out to bat in both innings after pulling up a muscle?”
firstpost.com
livemint.com
Sources
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