Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq is facing serious trouble after reports have emerged that the Pakistan Cricket Board is likely to ban him for one to two years. The development is due to the controversy surrounding his calf injury during the second Test against England at Lord’s. Imam suffered a low-grade left calf strain while fielding on the opening day. He did not bat in either innings as Pakistan were bowled out for 110 and 194, losing the match by 194 runs and falling 2-0 behind in the series. The PCB later sent him and six other players home as part of a massive mid-tour change.

As per reports from Geo News, a high-level investigation committee is being set up for this issue. The board is also revisiting a 2025 incident from the New Zealand tour, when a PCB inquiry reportedly found Imam had misrepresented a toe injury after a net session. Imaging showed no fracture or dislocation and the panel had recommended a ban across formats at the time but he was let go after the enquiry. But the latest controversy has put him under pressure. Imam has returned to Pakistan and is expected to face the committee. Few reports also suggest he may seek legal advice and hire a lawyer as he prepares to face the PCB.

Pakistan Chief Selector Aqib Javed Speaks on Imam ul Haq

PCB director of high performance and selector Aaqib Javed has spoken on the issue regarding Imam. Speaking to Geo TV, he expressed clear disappointment and confirmed an inquiry would follow. His comments come after the board has taken a hard stance after Pakistan’s poor showing in England. The investigation will examine both the Lord’s incident and the earlier New Zealand findings. No final decision has been announced, but the reports state that a possible ban of one to two years could be put on Imam and that the PCB is treating the matter very seriously.

“The Imam injury is a big question mark, and a deep disappointment. Players in the past used to get injuries, but they used to put on casts and still tried. 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,” Javed said. 

Along with this issue, PCB have also sent a show cause notice to selectors asking them to explain the selection of Mohammad Rizwan and Imam ul Haq and have given them a 24 hour deadline. PCB have sent seven players along with head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed home midway through the series. The final match of the series will be played on 9th September.