Imam-ul-Haq faces two-year ban after Lord's Test injury controversy

Imam-ul-Haq (Pic: AFP)

Pakistan batter Imam-ul-Haq could face a ban of up to two years over the controversy surrounding his injury during the second Test against England at Lord's, according to Geo News.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is in the process of setting up a high-level investigation team to look into the circumstances surrounding Imam's calf injury, Geo News sources said on Wednesday.

According to Geo News sources, Imam could be handed a ban of one to two years if the inquiry finds him guilty of misconduct. The matter has also brought renewed scrutiny on an earlier injury-related controversy involving the Pakistani left-handed batter during Pakistan's tour of New Zealand in March 2025.

Imam suffered a low-grade calf strain while fielding on the opening day of the Lord's Test and subsequently did not bat in either of Pakistan's innings. The visiting side crumbled for 110 after England compiled 290, before being bowled out for 194 in pursuit of 389, resulting in a 194-run defeat and a 2-0 series loss with a Test match to go.

Pakistan cricket in turbulence after Lord's Test

Sources indicated that the Pakistan board's decision to launch a fresh probe arises from suspicions regarding the legitimacy of Imam's injury and his absence from action.

This latest situation has brought back attention to a prior PCB investigation from the tour of New Zealand. During that tour, Imam was held responsible by an inquiry panel for allegedly exaggerating or faking an injury after taking a hit to his right big toe in an indoor net session on March 28, 2025.

The committee determined that the opener had misled the medical team in an attempt to pull out of the series-opening ODI.

Similarly, wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has come under intense scrutiny regarding disciplinary matters. Board officials are expected to interview Rizwan shortly, with sources noting that his future selection across national teams remains highly doubtful.

Both players were among seven members released from the Test squad following the Lord's defeat. Pakistan have named five uncapped players while bringing Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke onto the coaching staff ahead of the final Test at Edgbaston beginning September 9.

(With inputs from ANI)