A senior member of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) selection committee, Aaqib Javed, has publicly questioned the legitimacy of Imam-ul-Haq’s calf injury. The dispute follows the opener’s failure to bat during both innings of Pakistan’s 194-run defeat to England in the second Test at Lord’s last Sunday.
“An inquiry will be conducted into this matter,” Javed stated during an interview on the private news channel Geo TV on Tuesday night. Expressing frustration, he questioned how a player could be unable to bat after sustaining a muscle strain, noting that historical precedents exist of cricketers competing even while wearing casts. He labeled the situation a serious concern that warrants formal investigation and subsequent action.
The controversy surrounding the injury deepened after former chief selector Mohammad Wasim criticized the team’s handling of the situation. Although Imam was sidelined for the duration of the match, he was spotted on the outfield during the fourth day of play, visibly limping while shadow-batting with his left calf heavily bandaged.
This incident coincides with a broader shake-up within the national squad. Following consecutive losses at Headingley and Lord’s, the PCB recalled seven players, along with head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul. To prepare for the final Test in Birmingham on September 9, the selectors have introduced five uncapped players alongside openers Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal, who hold a combined experience of only 10 Tests.
Reports indicate significant friction between the team management and the selection panel regarding the composition of the playing XI. Javed revealed that he had urged captain Babar Azam and the coaching staff to include fast bowler Ubaid Shah, who maintains speeds of 140 kph, and wicketkeeper-batter Ghazi Ghori. However, the management opted to drop only Salman Ali Agha, who had captained the side during the first Test in Babar’s absence, rather than replacing Mohammad Rizwan with Ghori as suggested.
“We can’t just keep waiting,” Javed remarked, reiterating his frustration over the ignored recommendations. As the team prepares for the final match, white-ball head coach Mike Hesson and bowling coach Ashley Noffke have been appointed to oversee the squad’s transition.
