![Imam-ul-Haq to return to field [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1792385075716_ImamUlHaqTest.jpg?type=hq)
Imam-ul-Haq to return to field [Source: AFP]
Imam-ul-Haq's long wait to return to competitive action will finally end on Monday morning, as the Pakistan Cricket Board have given him the green light to take the field for the first time since August. The opener suffered a calf injury in England and was subsequently denied to play, as he remains under NCCIA investigation.
Imam-ul-Haq, alongside Mohammad Rizwan have missed the entire President's Trophy Grade-I so far. In their absence, their departmental sides are at the rock bottom of the season's points table.
Imam-ul-Haq set for First Class return
Imam-ul-Haq, who last featured in the second Test against England at Lord's was out of action for a while due to his calf strain. Although he was seen knocking the ball in the pre-day warm-ups, he did not bat in the second Test.
Upon his return to Pakistan after being dropped alongside several others, he was not allowed to participate in the President's Trophy for his department, Oil & Gas Development Company Limited. He is currently being investigated by the NCCIA for alleged involvement in online sports betting and gambling.
Nonetheless, ahead of the final round of President's Trophy-I matches, Imam as well as Rizwan have received green light to play for their sides from Monday onwards.
According to Cricinfo, Rizwan will play for Peshawar in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, despite the ongoing investigation. Rizwan also approached the Lahore High Court to seek an explanation for the reason for the investigations.
Imam's mobile phone is currently also with the NCCIA, but will also return for his departmental side and try to save them from relegation.
Rizwan and Imam look to survive President's Trophy relegation
With Rizwan returning to his departmental side, Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited, he will lead the team against Khan Research Laboratories at the Shoaib Akhtar Stadium, Rawalpindi. On the other hand, left-handed opener, who suffered a calf injury in England, will play for Oil & Gas Development Company Limited against Ghani in Islamabad.
Both matches begin on Monday, October 19 at 10:30 AM (IST), and as OGDCP and SNGPL sit 7th and 8th on the table, respectively, they face a danger of dropping down to President's Trophy Grade-II Gold, i.e., the second tier.
Only 5 points separate the two sides, and it will be a must-win fixture for them to play in the top division next season. Their opponents KRL (3rd) and Ghani (2nd) have been in some fine form this season.
