Pakistan batter Imam-ul-Haq could face a ban of up to two years as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) investigates the circumstances surrounding his calf injury during the second Test against England at Lord's, according to sources cited by Geo News.
The PCB is setting up a high-level investigation committee to examine the injury, with sources telling Geo News that Imam could be suspended for one to two years if the inquiry finds him guilty of misconduct. The PCB has not announced any final disciplinary decision.
Imam suffered a low-grade calf strain while fielding on the opening day of the Lord's Test and did not bat in either of Pakistan's innings. Pakistan were bowled out for 110 in reply to England's first-innings total of 290, and were later dismissed for 194 while chasing a target of 389, losing the match by 194 runs and going 2-0 down in the series.
Renewed scrutiny after New Zealand tour incident
The Lord's controversy has revived attention on an earlier injury dispute involving Imam during Pakistan's tour of New Zealand in March 2025. According to Geo News sources, a PCB inquiry at the time held Imam responsible for allegedly fabricating, exaggerating or misrepresenting symptoms after he was struck on the right big toe during an indoor net session on March 28, 2025.
That committee reportedly concluded Imam had misled the team's medical staff and deliberately sought to avoid playing in Pakistan's opening one-day international on the tour.
Squad overhaul ahead of final Test
Imam was among seven players released from Pakistan's Test squad following the heavy defeat at Lord's, alongside Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Agha, Ali Usman, Aamer Jamal, Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad. The PCB has added five uncapped players to the squad ahead of the third and final Test, while Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke have joined the Test coaching staff.
Sources also told Geo News that the PCB has separate concerns over wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan's discipline and could take action against him as well, with Rizwan expected to be questioned in the coming days.
The third Test between Pakistan and England begins at Edgbaston on September 9, with Pakistan looking to avoid a series clean sweep after losing the first Test by an innings and the second by 194 runs.
