Imam-ul-Haq Could Face Two-Year Ban Amid Injury Controversy

Pakistan batter Imam-ul-Haq could face a ban of up to two years as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) moves to investigate the circumstances surrounding his injury during the second Test against England at Lord’s.

According to reports, the PCB has taken the matter seriously after Imam-ul-Haq and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan were released from the squad and sent back to Pakistan during the England tour.

The board is reportedly preparing a high-level inquiry committee to investigate Imam’s case, while Rizwan is also facing scrutiny over disciplinary concerns. Both players could potentially face strict action following the investigation.

Imam could reportedly receive a ban ranging from one to two years, especially because of a previous injury-related controversy during Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand.

Meanwhile, Rizwan is expected to appear before the PCB in the coming days to respond to concerns regarding his conduct. Reports suggest he may be left out of Pakistan’s upcoming squads and could face additional disciplinary action.

Both Imam and Rizwan were among the players released by the PCB as part of major changes to Pakistan’s Test squad before the third and final Test against England.

Imam suffered a low-grade calf strain while fielding on the opening day of the second Test at Lord’s. The injury prevented him from batting in Pakistan’s first innings, with the visitors dismissed for 110 after England posted 290.

He was also unavailable for the second innings as Pakistan attempted to chase 389. The team was eventually bowled out for 194, resulting in a defeat and a series loss.

The latest development has also brought renewed attention to an earlier controversy involving Imam during Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand in March 2025.

A PCB inquiry committee reportedly held Imam responsible for allegedly misrepresenting an injury after a ball struck his right big toe during an indoor training session on March 28, 2025.

The committee reportedly concluded that Imam had fabricated, exaggerated or misrepresented his symptoms, allegedly misleading the medical staff and deliberately attempting to make himself unavailable for the opening ODI.