Former Pakistan chief selector Muhammad Wasim has alleged that a top-order batter faked injuries in the past to avoid playing on pitches that assist fast bowlers.
Speaking on YouTube with Dr Nauman Niaz, Wasim recalled an incident from the 2022 Multan Test against England, claiming the team physio had warned him in advance that the player would fake an injury.
“In 2022 Multan Test, the physio came to me and warned me in advance that this is going to happen (fake injury) soon. And he did that. He should not be unfit. Then he said it has happened in the past, coaches have complained about it,” Wasim said.
Wasim, however, did not name the player.
Imam ul Haq was notably absent from Pakistan’s first innings in the ongoing second Test against England at Lord’s, where the side collapsed to be bowled out for 110. The PCB said in a statement that the opener had suffered a calf strain and that his participation for the remainder of the match remained uncertain.
Wasim called on the team management to take action against repeat offenders.
“We need to get rid of such characters because the same message goes to others in the team too. This (practice) is being repeated and the people in charge need to look at it. We should take actions now,” he said.
He also pointed to a pattern in domestic cricket. “In domestic cricket, some players, including this one, do not play on pitches with grass. They come to bat later when the pitches are flat or turning. If you look at history, you will know who the repeat offenders are. It’s part of their character. He didn’t come (to bat) in the lower order. I am sure Sarfaraz (Ahmed) is noticing this and they will take action,” he added.
The comments come at a difficult time for Pakistan on their England tour. England beat Pakistan by an innings and 103 runs in the first Test at Headingley to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
