A senior member of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) selection committee, Aaqib Javed, has formally questioned the legitimacy of Imam-ul Haq’s calf injury. The opener’s failure to bat during Pakistan’s 194-run defeat to England in the second Test at Lord’s last Sunday has sparked a call for an official inquiry into team medical protocols.
Speaking on Geo TV, Javed stated, “An inquiry will be conducted into this matter.” He expressed skepticism regarding the opener’s condition, noting, “How is it possible that you failed to come out to bat in both innings after pulling up a muscle? Injuries do occur and we have seen instances in the past where players — even with casts — have gone out and made an effort. This situation is different. It is a matter of great concern, and action will be taken regarding it.”
The controversy follows Imam’s injury on the first day at Lord’s, which sidelined him for the remainder of the match. While former chief selector Mohammad Wasim also voiced concerns, Imam was later seen in the outfield on the fourth day, visibly limping with his left calf heavily strapped. This incident occurred amid reports of significant friction between the selection panel and team management regarding the playing XI.
Javed revealed he had urged captain Babar Azam and the coaching staff to include pace bowler Ubaid Shah and wicketkeeper-batter Ghazi Ghori for the Lord’s Test. Instead, management only dropped Salman Ali Agha, who had captained the side during the first Test in Babar’s absence. “We can’t just keep waiting,” Javed remarked, adding that Ghori should have replaced Mohammad Rizwan in the lineup.
Following consecutive losses at Headingley and Lord’s, the PCB has recalled seven players, including head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul. For the final Test beginning in Birmingham on September 9, white-ball head coach Mike Hesson and bowling coach Ashley Noffke will assume control of the squad.
The The report also notes that pakistan selectors have chosen five uncapped players and two others — openers Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal — with just a combined experience of 10 Tests. The report also notes that suggesting they include Ubaid Shah, who bowls at 140 kph, i had actually spoken to both the captain and the coach after the first Test.
