ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Imam-ul-Haq’s calf injury after the opener failed to bat in either innings during Pakistan’s 194-run defeat to England in the second Test at Lord’s last Sunday.
Aaqib Javed, director of high-performance and a senior member of Pakistan’s four-man selection committee, said the matter would be investigated. Speaking to Geo TV on Tuesday night, Javed questioned how Imam was unable to bat after sustaining what appeared to be a muscle injury while fielding on the opening day.
“Injuries do occur, and we have seen players in the past make an effort even while carrying serious injuries,” Javed said, adding that Imam’s situation was a “matter of great concern” and that appropriate action would be taken following the inquiry.
Former chief selector Mohammad Wasim was among those who also raised questions about the injury in the Pakistani media. Imam did not take any further part in the match after suffering the injury.
However, following the criticism, Imam returned to the field before play on the fourth day. He was seen limping while shadow-batting and had his left calf heavily strapped.
The PCB has since recalled seven players from England, along with bowling coach Umar Gul and head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed, following Pakistan’s defeats at Headingley and Lord’s.
White-ball head coach Mike Hesson and bowling coach Ashley Noffke will oversee the team for the third and final Test, which begins in Birmingham on September 9. The selectors have also included five uncapped players, while openers Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal have only limited Test experience, with the pair having played a combined 10 Tests.
Meanwhile, reports have emerged of serious disagreements between the team management and Aaqib Javed over the selection of the playing XI for the Lord’s Test.
Javed claimed he had recommended several changes to captain Babar Azam and the head coach following the first Test. He wanted fast-bowling all-rounder Ubaid Shah and wicketkeeper-batter Ghazi Ghori included in the XI, while suggesting that Mohammad Rizwan be left out.
“We can’t just keep waiting,” Javed said. “I spoke to both the captain and the coach after the first Test
