Pakistani Opener Imam-ul-Haq’s Latest Injury Raises Questions

Web Desk
August 31, 2026

Questions are being raised over Pakistani opener Imam-ul-Haq’s latest injury during the ongoing tour of England, with his previous track record bringing renewed scrutiny from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

According to sources cited by Geo News, the PCB is likely to investigate Imam’s current injury in light of a past inquiry conducted during Pakistan’s 2025 tour of New Zealand.

The 2025 Controversy
In March 2025, during Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand, Imam was struck on his right big toe during an indoor net session. An X-ray reportedly showed no fracture or bone displacement.

Despite medical advice, Imam allegedly walked approximately 500 metres to attend an iftar gathering. He later complained of severe pain and claimed his toe had turned black. When a team doctor cleaned the toe with chemically treated paper, the black mark disappeared. The inquiry committee concluded the substance was ink or marker, not natural blood.

Imam denied using any artificial substance, but the committee found his explanation inconsistent with medical evidence, X-ray results, and the appearance of his toe. Team officials also reported that Imam appeared to limp while under observation but walked normally when out of their sight.

Committee Findings and Recommendations
The PCB inquiry committee unanimously concluded that there was no medical basis for declaring Imam unfit for the first ODI against New Zealand . He was held responsible for fabricating, exaggerating, or misrepresenting injury symptoms and misleading medical staff.

The committee further concluded that Imam had deliberately attempted to make himself unavailable for the match, allegedly to avoid opening on New Zealand’s pace-friendly and challenging pitches. The committee recommended that Imam be barred from representing Pakistan at all levels and in all formats.

Current Situation in England
Imam has now suffered a calf injury during Pakistan’s second Test against England at Lord’s, forcing him to miss batting in both innings. He is reportedly being sent back to Pakistan and will miss the third Test in Birmingham.

The PCB has ordered a high-level investigation into the calf injury, with questions being raised about its legitimacy. Former England pacer Stuart Broad openly accused Imam of putting on a “show” with his injury, while former Pakistan chief selector Mohammad Wasim alleged that Imam has a history of faking injuries.