LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) inquiry report concerning national batter Imam-ul-Haq’s alleged injury during Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand in March 2025 has raised serious questions about the circumstances surrounding the incident.
In this regard, Imam-ul-Haq was struck on the foot by a ball during a net session on March 28, 2025.
However, an X-ray showed no evidence of a fracture, prompting the inquiry committee to examine the circumstances in greater detail.
The inquiry committee reportedly claimed that the dark mark visible on Imam-ul-Haq’s thumb was not consistent with natural bleeding and appeared to have been made using ink or a marker.
The Imam denied using any artificial substance on his thumb when questioned by the committee.
However, the committee found his explanation inconsistent with the medical evidence and X-ray findings presented during the inquiry.
The claims have added another layer to an episode that had already attracted attention during Pakistan’s New Zealand tour.
The report also questioned Imam’s movements following the alleged injury. According to the inquiry findings cited by sources, he was seen limping while under observation but was reportedly walking normally when he was out of sight of those monitoring him.
The committee further noted that doctors had advised against walking, but Imam allegedly walked approximately 500 metres and later attended an iftar dinner.
These observations were reportedly considered by the committee while assessing whether the injury was serious enough to prevent him from playing.
As per the report, there was allegedly no medical justification for declaring Imam unfit for Pakistan’s first ODI against New Zealand.
The sources further claimed that the inquiry committee recommended a ban on Imam representing Pakistan across all formats.
The report allegedly linked the controversy to an accusation that the batter wanted to avoid opening on New Zealand’s fast and challenging pitches.
However, these claims concern findings attributed to the inquiry report and should be distinguished from independently established medical facts.
Despite the reported recommendations, the PCB subsequently decided to forgive Imam-ul-Haq, according to sources. The decision eventually allowed him to return to contention for national selection.
The development has now resurfaced because of questions surrounding his latest injury situation.
Fresh Questions After Lord’s Test
The controversy has gained renewed attention following Imam’s absence from batting when the team reportedly needed him during the Lord’s Test.
Imam had suffered a calf injury during the match. His latest injury has consequently prompted renewed scrutiny because of the earlier controversy surrounding his fitness during the New Zealand tour.
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The latest developments are likely to keep attention focused on the PCB’s handling of player injuries, medical assessments and selection decisions, particularly when questions arise over a player’s availability for international cricket.
