The Imam-ul-Haq ban injury controversy has escalated, with reports suggesting the Pakistan batter could face a suspension of up to two years as the Pakistan Cricket Board prepares to investigate the circumstances surrounding his injury during the second Test against England at Lord’s. According to reports, the PCB has taken serious steps regarding both Imam and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan after both players were released from the squad and sent back to Pakistan during the tour.
Background to the Imam-ul-Haq Ban Injury Controversy
A high-level investigation committee is reportedly being established to examine Imam’s case, while the board also has separate concerns over Rizwan’s discipline. According to reports, both players could face strict action once the respective inquiries conclude. Reports suggest Imam could be handed a ban of one to two years, particularly in light of an earlier incident in which he was accused of faking an injury during a previous tour.
Meanwhile, Rizwan is expected to be questioned by the board in the coming days over separate disciplinary concerns. Reports indicate he is unlikely to be included in any Pakistan team in the near future and could also face further action pending the outcome of the board’s review.
What Happened During the Lord’s Test
Imam-ul-Haq suffered a low-grade calf strain while fielding on the opening day of the second Test at Lord’s. The injury ruled him out of Pakistan’s first innings the following day, when the visitors were bowled out for just 110 in response to England’s 290. He also remained unavailable to bat in the second innings as Pakistan chased a target of 389, with the visitors eventually bowled out for 194, losing both the match and the series.
The situation reportedly prompted the PCB to investigate the circumstances surrounding Imam’s calf injury and also brought renewed attention to an earlier controversy during Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand in March 2025.
The Earlier New Zealand Tour Incident
A previous PCB inquiry committee reportedly held Imam responsible for allegedly faking an injury during that tour. The incident occurred on March 28, 2025, when a ball struck his right big toe during an indoor net session. The committee reportedly concluded that Imam had fabricated, exaggerated or misrepresented his symptoms and misled medical staff, and also found that he had deliberately attempted to make himself unavailable for the opening ODI of that series.
It is worth noting these findings and the current allegations remain part of an ongoing review process, and any final disciplinary outcome would depend on the conclusions of the newly established investigation committee examining the Lord’s Test incident.
Wider Squad Changes
Imam and Rizwan were among several players released by the PCB as part of sweeping changes to Pakistan’s Test squad ahead of the third and final Test against England, changes that also drew criticism from former players over the timing and scale of the reshuffle mid-series.
For more updates on this developing story, see our cricket news section. Official PCB statements and disciplinary updates are typically published on the Pakistan Cricket Board website.
