The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly decided to launch a high-level investigation into Imam-ul-Haq’s alleged injury following the team’s 194-run defeat to England at Lord’s.
According to reports, the Pakistani team management held an emergency meeting in London after losing the second Test and falling further behind in the three-match series.
The board has decided to send wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan and opener Imam-ul-Haq back to Pakistan immediately, citing concerns over Rizwan’s poor form, particularly his irresponsible dismissals in consecutive Tests.
Imam-ul-Haq’s calf injury during the Lord’s Test has come under scrutiny after the opener complained of discomfort on the first day of the match and did not return to bat in the second innings.
He had been expected to take the field after receiving pain-killing injections but did not take any further part in the match.
Following media reports and doubts raised by some former cricketers over the injury, the board will review Imam-ul-Haq’s medical report along with the team management’s handling of the situation. Questions over his fitness have surfaced before, prompting the board to treating the case seriously.
Reports added that six players have been called up from Pakistan, including Saim Ayub and Arafat Minhas, while the rest will travel once their visas are processed.
Meanwhile, white-ball head coach Mike Hesson will take charge of the team for the Birmingham Test, with former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed also remaining with the squad.
Pakistan have already lost the series after defeats in both Tests against England, while their loss at Lord’s marked their first defeat at the venue in 16 years, handing the hosts an unassailable 2-0 lead.
