Pakistan Cricket in Turmoil: PCB Selector Calls for Inquiry into Imam-ul-Haq’s Absence at Lord’s
LONDON – The Pakistan cricket setup is facing renewed scrutiny following a disastrous performance at Lord’s, with a senior member of the national selection committee calling for a formal inquiry into the handling of opener Imam-ul-Haq’s injury.
Aaqib Javed, a key figure on the four-member selection panel, has openly questioned the severity of the calf injury that prevented the opener from batting during both innings of Pakistan’s 194-run defeat to England. The incident has added fuel to the fire during a turbulent period for the national side.
“A Matter of Concern”
Speaking in an interview with the private news channel Geo TV, Javed expressed skepticism regarding the medical management of the player. “How is it possible that you failed to come out to bat in both innings after pulling up a muscle?” he asked, noting that the incident is now the subject of an official probe.
Javed drew comparisons to the grit often expected of international cricketers, suggesting that the team culture needs a shift in accountability. “Injuries do occur, and we have seen instances in the past where players—even with casts—have gone out and made an effort,” he remarked. “This situation is different. It is a matter of great concern, and action will be taken regarding it.”
Imam-ul-Haq suffered the injury while fielding on the opening day of the Test. Although he appeared on the outfield on the fourth day to perform light shadow batting, he was seen visibly limping, raising further questions from critics, including former chief selector Mohammad Wasim, regarding the transparency of the injury.
A Team in Transition
The controversy surrounding the opener is merely the tip of the iceberg for a team currently undergoing a major structural overhaul. Following back-to-back losses at Headingley and Lord’s, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has recalled seven players, while head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul have been removed from their positions.
In a bid to salvage the final match of the series in Birmingham on September 9, the PCB has appointed Mike Hesson as head coach, with Ashley Noffke overseeing the bowling unit. The selectors have turned toward youth, drafting five uncapped players and favoring younger openers Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal for the final clash.
Internal Strife Exposed
Javed also touched upon deep-seated friction between the selection committee and the team management regarding team selection for the Lord’s Test. He revealed that his recommendations—which included giving opportunities to fast-bowling all-rounder Ubaid Shah and wicketkeeper-batter Ghazi Ghori—were largely ignored by the leadership.
“We can’t just keep waiting,” Javed stated, lamenting that his push to rest Mohammad Rizwan and integrate fresh talent was overlooked. “I had spoken to both the captain and the coach after the first Test, suggesting they include Ubaid, who bowls at 140 kph. Ghazi Ghori was available on the tour and should have played.”
As the squad prepares for the final Test, all eyes remain on whether the PCB’s aggressive management changes and the promised inquiry into the team’s injury handling can restore discipline to a fractured dressing room.
