Sometimes an injury raises more questions than it answers, and that’s exactly what’s happening with Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq right now. He could reportedly be facing a two-year ban from international cricket after allegedly faking an injury during the second Test of the ongoing series between England and Pakistan.
The left-handed batter was named in Pakistan’s playing XI for the second Test against England at Lord’s but he never actually walked out to bat in either innings, citing a calf injury. In fact, he didn’t even take the field after the second session on day one of the match at Lord’s.
A news report on Wednesday suggested that Imam, who had also scored a duck in the second innings of the first Test in Leeds, could be looking at a ban of up to two years once the controversy around his injury is resolved.
Sources indicate that the Pakistan Cricket Board has set up a high-level committee to look into the matter. Given that Imam has faced similar accusations before, he could reportedly be handed a lengthy ban if this investigation finds him guilty.
This isn’t the first time Imam has been accused of exaggerating an injury either, a similar incident was reported back in March 2025 during Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand. According to PCB sources, he had hurt his toe during a net session on that tour but was accused of overstating or misrepresenting how serious the injury actually was, misleading the team’s medical staff in the process.
Following the current controversy, Imam was among seven players dropped from the Test squad ahead of the third match in Birmingham. He has since returned to Pakistan this week, along with other players including Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Rizwan and Ali Usman.
Adding to the turmoil, there are also said to be serious concerns about wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan’s discipline, with the PCB reportedly planning strict action against him as well. One report suggested that Rizwan’s future with the Pakistan team looks bleak, and he may not be considered for national selection anytime soon.
Mohammad Rizwan, who has previously captained Pakistan’s white-ball side, has also come under fire recently for his inconsistent shot selection in matches for the national team.
What do you think will happen with Imam-ul-Haq?
