Imam-ul-Haq faces possible two-year ban over Lord’s injury row

Pakistan batter Imam-ul-Haq could face a ban of up to two years.

Pakistan batter Imam-ul-Haq could face a ban of up to two years. Sources revealed on Wednesday that the controversy stems from his injury during the second Test against England at Lord’s.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) plans to form a high-level investigation committee to examine Imam’s case. Sources say the board is treating the matter seriously.

Imam has faced similar allegations before. He was previously accused of feigning an injury, and sources say he could now receive a ban ranging from one to two years.

The board also has concerns about wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan’s discipline. Sources say strict action could follow. Rizwan is expected to face questioning soon, and he is unlikely to feature in any Pakistan squad for now.

Both Imam and Rizwan were dropped by the PCB as part of major changes to the Test squad ahead of the third and final match against England.

Imam sustained a low-grade calf strain while fielding on day one at Lord’s. He did not bat in Pakistan’s first innings the next day, as the side collapsed for just 110 runs in reply to England’s 290.

He also missed the second innings, when Pakistan needed 389 runs but were bowled out for 194. The result cost Pakistan both the match and the series.

This latest injury reportedly triggered the PCB’s decision to launch a formal investigation. It also brought back scrutiny of an earlier incident from Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand in March 2025.

According to sources, a PCB inquiry committee had already found Imam responsible for allegedly faking an injury during that tour. The incident took place on March 28, 2025, when a ball struck his right big toe during an indoor training session.

The committee reportedly concluded that Imam exaggerated or misrepresented his symptoms and misled the medical staff. It further found that he deliberately tried to avoid playing in the opening ODI of that series.