Pakistan Cricket is under pump due to Imran Khan's case | PC- AFP
The troubles are not looking good for Pakistan on Day 2 of the Lord’s Test against England. Soon after an explosive interview with Imran Khan's sons went live, the top dignitaries in Pakistan Cricket were shaken. And now, the visiting team have faced another problem.
Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue frustrated the Pakistan team, with England’s total almost reaching 300 runs, but were sent back only after adding 47 runs between them.
Imam-ul-Haq's injury raises concerns for Pakistan
Adding salt to the injury, the visiting opener Imam-ul-Haq may not get to participate in the Test match, even before facing a ball in the game.
The 30-year-old had suffered a strain in his left calf muscle while fielding on the first day of the ENG vs PAK 2nd Test, resulting in him not being able to take the field even on the second morning.
The medical team is currently treating the left-handed opening batter, and his further participation in the match will depend on his recovery.
Also Read: Pat Cummins Openly Supports Imran Khan, Mohsin Naqvi's Troubles Rise
Meanwhile, Shan Masood, who batted at number 3 in the first Test, has come out to open the innings alongside Azan Awais, Imam’s designated opening partner.
What does the Imran Khan controversy have to do with Pakistan Cricket?
Pakistan’s only ODI World Cup-winning captain and the country’s former PM, Imran Khan, has been in jail since August 2023, one year after his Prime Ministerial stint came to an end abruptly.
During his time in prison, the legendary cricketer’s health has apparently taken a hit, with his eyesight in his right eye nearly gone, according to his lawyers.
Earlier this month, the Supreme Court ordered that Imran be shifted to a hospital in Islamabad for better medical care. However, his stay was unexpectedly cut short when he was moved back to Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi.
During the lunch break on Day 1 of the Lord’s Test against England, Michael Atherton did an explosive interview for Sky Sports with Imran’s sons, Sulaiman and Kasim, which caused a mayhem in Pakistan Cricket.
In the aftermath, the PCB threatened a boycott, saying the team wouldn’t take the field after the break, but they later did.
Since then, a major controversy has erupted in Pakistan Cricket, with ex-skipper Shahid Afridi asking for Mohsin Naqvi’s exit.
Pakistan’s bowlers deliver, but can the batters do the same at Lord's
Pakistan were annihilated in the Headingley Test, with Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue running an assault, with the visiting batters surrendering in Babar Azam’s absence.
The Pakistan captain has returned for the Lord’s Test, while his presence has turned the tide with the ball as well. The Asian team had a better day on the field on Day 1, reducing England to 247/9 at stumps.
If not for the frustrating stand between Gus Atkinson and Tongue, Pakistan could have had England bowled out under 250 runs. However, the home team almost reached the 300-run mark, 290 to be precise.
Now, the visitors would need a gritty performance from their batters, especially with dark clouds over Imam-ul Haq’s participation.
Also Read: Usman Khawaja’s Shocking Reaction To PCB's Boycott Threat For Imran Khan
