Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) director of high performance Aaqib Javed has called for an inquiry into opener Imam-ul-Haq after he failed to bat in either innings of the second Test against England at Lord’s.
Imam withdrew from the match after suffering a low-grade tear in his left calf. The PCB announced the injury minutes before the start of the second day’s play and said that his participation for the rest of the Test would depend on medical assessment. Imam did not take the field again until the fourth morning, when he joined the rest of the squad for warm-ups, a moment that drew sharp criticism from commentators including Stuart Broad and David Warner.
Speaking to a private media outlet, Aaqib said that he was “deeply disappointed” in Imam and questioned how a muscle injury could keep him out of both innings.
“The Imam injury is a big question mark, and a deep disappointment,” Aaqib said. “Players in the past used to get injuries, but they used to put on casts and still tried [to play]. We’ll take action against this. How is it possible that a pulled muscle ruled you out of batting in both innings? He should have tried and fought. He’ll have to face an inquiry; I can’t say he faked it, but a muscle pull like that cannot stop you from batting altogether.”
Imam was among seven players sent home by the PCB following Pakistan’s defeat at Lord’s, a reshuffle that also saw head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul removed from their posts.
Aaqib said that the decision was meant to send a clear message to the recalled players about competing on important tours.
He also turned his criticism toward the team management, arguing that available options such as fast bowler Ubaid Shah and a second wicketkeeper were overlooked in favour of a batting lineup and bowling attack that lacked variety.
“No batter in our top seven bowls,” Aaqib said. “We should have included an allrounder, but most importantly, get in Ubaid Shah, who bowls close to 140kph. One fast bowler changes the composition of your attack.”
Aaqib defended his own position, saying that selectors are only responsible for naming a squad and cannot control team combinations once players are on tour.
He backed incoming Test head coach Mike Hesson but conceded that the changes made were unlikely to turn around Pakistan’s fortunes for the final Test.
It is worth noting that Pakistan have lost both Tests of the three-match series, giving England a 2-0 lead.
The third Test between Pakistan and England begins on September 9 at Edgbaston.
