Imam-ul-Haq under fire for missing Lord’s batting

KARACHI: Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq has come under intense criticism after declining to bat in the ongoing Lord’s Test against England, with former pacer Mohammad Amir questioning whether the injury was serious enough to keep him away from the crease.

Imam reportedly complained of discomfort in his calf after Pakistan’s first innings. A scan arranged by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) showed a minor strain. However, when Pakistan needed every available batter during the second innings, Imam did not come out to bat.

Former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir said Imam should have taken the risk given the circumstances of the match and the importance of the Test series.

“Imam should have come out to bat,” Amir said in an interview. He pointed to previous examples of cricketers batting through serious injuries, arguing that Imam could have focused simply on surviving at the crease rather than playing attacking shots.

According to Amir, even if Imam had been unable to score freely, staying at one end could have made a significant difference to Pakistan’s chances.

Amir went further, saying that if Imam was genuinely unable to bat, he should not have played the Test in the first place.

He recalled playing matches himself while carrying a hamstring problem and stressed that the circumstances matter when a team is fighting to stay alive in a series.

“When the team is in a do-or-die situation, you have to take risks,” Amir said, describing Pakistan’s position as similar to a drowning person searching for something to hold on to.

The criticism was intensified by comments from former chief selector Mohammad Wasim, who questioned the authenticity of Imam’s injury and alleged that similar “drama” had occurred before.

Imam’s recent Test form has also added fuel to the debate. In his last eight Test second innings, he has reportedly reached double figures only twice, scoring 45 runs at an average of just 5.5.

His performance in the field has also attracted scrutiny after he dropped a crucial slip catch during the match.

The controversy has therefore shifted the spotlight from Imam’s calf strain to a broader question of commitment, fitness and responsibility when Pakistan are under pressure.

While medical assessments remain central to determining whether a player is fit to bat, the fierce reaction from former players shows how high expectations are when Pakistan are fighting to save a Test and remain competitive against England.