Mohsin Naqvi's Right Hand Launches Scathing Attack On Imam-ul-Haq, Promises Strict Action

PCB to take action against Imam [Source: AFP]

Imam-ul-Haq has been at the centre of controversy after he was widely criticised for not batting in both innings of the Lord’s Test match, which Pakistan lost. The opening batter sustained a tear in his left calf and was not seen on the field until Day 4, when he emerged to warm up with the rest of the squad.

Former England cricketer Stuart Broad slammed him for his actions on air, and the batter was eventually sent back home alongside six other players.

Not only Broad, but Pakistan’s Director of High-Performance, Aaqib Javed, was also not too pleased with Imam’s actions in the second Test, launching a scathing attack and promising to take action against the batter.

Aaqib Javed set to take strict action against Imam-ul-Haq

In an interview with Geo News, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi's most trusted man, Javed, was critical of how Imam carried himself in the Lord’s Test match, and he felt “deeply disappointed.” Javed stated that Imam will have to face a PCB enquiry for the "fake injury" allegations on him.

"The Imam injury is a big question mark, and a deep disappointment," Aaqib said. "Players in the past used to get injuries, but they used to put on casts and still tried [to play]. We'll take action against this. 

How is it possible that a pulled muscle ruled you out of batting in both innings? He should have tried and fought. He'll have to face an inquiry; I can't say he faked it, but a muscle pull like that cannot stop you from batting altogether."

Imam sent back home from England, omitted from Pakistan squad for 3rd Test

The Pakistan side suffered an embarrassing defeat in the second Test against England, and in the aftermath, PCB took stern action as seven players, including Imam-ul-Haq, were sent back to Pakistan.

Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Agha, Ali Usman, Aamer Jamal, Awais Zafar, and Khurram Shahzad are the seven players who have been released.

Also Read: Look Imam ul Haq- When Indian Cricketers Played Despite Severe Injuries

While most of the players were released due to their poor Test form, Imam’s case was a bit different. Pakistan management felt he could have batted in the second Test despite a Grade 1 tear. On Day 4, he emerged on the Lord’s outfield for a gentle throwdown from the batting coach, and this move generated widespread criticism.

Many felt the move was done for the optics, and if Imam was fit, he should have batted in both innings.

Aaqib Javed reveals why Sarfaraz Ahmed, Umar Gul were sacked

The Director of High-Performance, Javed, revealed why PCB took the drastic decision of sacking head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul midway through the series.

He blamed the team management, including the coaching department, for a flawed selection in the two-match Test series.

"Two Test matches have come and gone and the team has not competed in any way," Aaqib said. "There's one Test still to go. They [the management] had a pace allrounder available, a second wicketkeeper, a fast bowler in Ubaid Shah. 

But those decisions were not being made. I spoke to the captain [Babar Azam] and coach and asked them to put Ubaid in because the other bowlers [Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali and Khurram Shahzad] are all similarly paced.

Javed wanted Pakistan to include an all-rounder in playing XI

The 54-year-old was critical of the selection as he wanted an all-rounder in the team. He also wanted the management to drop Mohammad Rizwan in order to incorporate Ghazi Ghori.

"No batter in our top seven bowls. We should have included an allrounder, but most importantly, get in Ubaid Shah, who bowls close to 140kph.

I understand dropping [Salman] Agha, who's out of form, but you should have played Ghazi Ghori instead of [Mohammad] Rizwan [as the wicketkeeper]. Someone had to take action. The world is laughing at us because we can't even compete."

With seven changes made in the team, Pakistan have plenty of newcomers in the side, and the Asian side will face a challenge as they need to build their best combination to beat England in the third Test match, which commences on September 9 at Edgbaston, Birmingham.

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