ImamโulโHaq was sent home from Pakistanโs England tour after scans confirmed a calf tear, though doubts lingered as he was spotted facing throwdowns with a taped leg.
Pakistan cricketer Imam-ul-Haq has found himself in an unusual spot after being sent back home from the England tour, where the team suffered two embarrassing defeats in the first two Test matches. Doubts have arisen over the legitimacy of the opener’s injury after he did not bat in any of the innings in the second Test and was spotted facing throwdowns on day four with a taped calf.
The Pakistan team management announced that Iman had suffered a calf muscle injury while fielding on day one, leading to him being ruled out of the series after scans revealed a tear.
However, PAK’s awry performance led to a radical overhaul midway through the tour, replacing seven squad members and also shaking up the coaching staff by replacing the head coach and bowling coach.
Imam-ul-Haq under fire
Pakistan national selector Aaqib Javed doubted Imam’s injury, saying that it was a ‘big question mark’ that a cricketer could not bat with a muscle issue and has witnessed players playing with plasters on in the past, and action will be taken over the matter.
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“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.” Aaqib said, as quoted by Geo News.
PAK opener to seek legal counsel
According to PTI, after PCB cracked the whip on Imam, the opener is reportedly expected to seek legal counsel when he is required to face the board’s inquiry committee, which would investigate his injury.
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As per the report, “Imam is in big trouble, and he is also likely to seek legal counsel when he has to appear to face an inquiry committee of the Board, which will look into his calf muscle injury, which didn’t allow him to bat in both innings of the second Test.”
After two humiliating defeats, the red-faced Pakistan would attempt to secure a consolation victory when they face England in the third and last Test match of the series on September 9 at Edgbaston.ย ย