Archive · 31 Aug 2026
Stuart Broad Questions Imam-ul-Haq’s Lord’s Calf Injury Practice
Imam-ul-Haq hurt his calf while fielding in a cricket match at Lord’s.
The Pakistan Cricket Board said he had a low-grade strain and could not play for the rest of the match.
He was later seen practicing near the boundary with his calf taped.
He appeared to be limping while doing the drills.
Former England bowler Stuart Broad thought the practice looked like a public performance.
Broad said it was “all for show.”
Many fans also criticized and mocked Imam online.
However, the PCB said there was a real injury, and no proof that Imam pretended to be hurt has been reported.
Imam-ul-Haq suffered a low-grade calf strain while fielding on the opening day of the second Test.
The Pakistan Cricket Board ruled him out for the remainder of the match and said he was receiving treatment.
Imam was later seen on the Lord’s sidelines performing drills with his injured calf heavily taped.
Stuart Broad called the highly visible practice “all for show” and questioned why it was not done privately.
Fans mocked Imam online, although the PCB maintained that his calf strain was genuine.
- Who
- Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq, the Pakistan Cricket Board, former England fast bowler Stuart Broad and online fans.
- What
- Imam’s sideline practice after a calf injury led to criticism from Broad and widespread online ridicule.
- When
- Imam was injured on the opening day, ruled out afterward, and seen practicing on Day 4 of the Test.
- Where
- Lord’s, during the second Test between England and Pakistan.
- Why
- Broad and fans questioned the optics of Imam practicing publicly, while the PCB said he had a genuine calf strain.
Critics of Imam’s Sideline Practice
PCB’s Medical Account
Public injury drills
Critics of Imam’s Sideline Practice
Stuart Broad said the highly visible practice appeared to be an act and suggested Imam should have trained privately. Online fans similarly questioned and mocked the display.
PCB’s Medical Account
The PCB said Imam had suffered a genuine low-grade calf strain and was receiving medical treatment. The articles provide no confirmed evidence that he exaggerated or faked the injury.
Ability to play
Critics of Imam’s Sideline Practice
Critics viewed Imam’s ability to perform sideline drills as inconsistent with being ruled out of the match.
PCB’s Medical Account
Reports said he was limping with his calf taped and might only bat if Pakistan desperately needed him, which does not necessarily contradict his being unavailable for normal play.
- Match
- The incident occurred during the second Test between England and Pakistan at Lord’s.
- Injury
- The PCB described Imam’s injury as a low-grade calf strain.
- Injury timing
- Imam was injured while fielding on the opening day; one report said he had dropped two catches shortly beforehand.
- Availability
- He was ruled out for the remainder of the match, leaving Pakistan a batter short.
- Sideline practice
- Imam was seen knocking a ball around and performing running drills with his calf heavily taped.
- Broad’s criticism
- Stuart Broad described the visible practice as “all for show” and questioned why it was not done behind closed doors.
- Possible return
- Reports from the Pakistan dressing room said Imam could bat in the second innings if he was desperately needed.
