Imam-ul-Haq having a chat with Babar Azam (Source: AFP Photos)
Imam-ul-Haq drew a lot of attention during Pakistan’s recent Test against England, which took place at Lord’s. There, Imam did not come to bat in any of the innings, citing that he had a low-grade calf tear.
Aaqib Javed, PCB’s director of high performance, already made his thoughts clear on Imam-ul-Haq, saying he could not digest the fact that Pakistan opener had no chance to even come to the middle across both innings.
Now, a strict PCB ban looms large on Imam, whose career for the country appears to be done and dusted.
Imam-ul-Haq Set To Face Imminent 2-Year PCB Ban
Imam-ul-Haq, born in 1995, had already lost his place among Pakistan regulars across ODIs and Tests. To make matters worse for him, Pakistan's reputed media outlet Geo News reported he could face up to a two-year PCB ban if it is proven that he faked an injury to avoid participation in the Lord’s Test.
Therefore, it can be safe to say that if the PCB finds Imam guilty of faking an injury, there is little chance for him to revive his international career for Pakistan.
To be more specific, Imam’s PCB ban will be a minimum of one year or a maximum of two years, depending on how the inquiry pans out.
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As Imam did not come to bat in the PAK vs ENG 2nd Test, Pakistan had to play with 10 players throughout the match, although a substitute fielder was there. However, as Imam’s injury was not related to concussion, they were not allowed to replace him from the playing XI.
Thus, Pakistan could only have 10 players in their batting lineup. Eventually, they lost by 194 runs.
Imam Turns To Lawyer In Fight Vs PCB
Imam-ul-Haq, however, won’t be stopped after inquiries. If things go south and he fears there might be an internal conspiracy against him, he will seek advice from his lawyer. In fact, he has already made all the arrangements.
“Imam is in big trouble, and he is also likely to seek legal counsel when he has to appear to face an inquiry committee of the Board which will look into his calf muscle injury which didn’t allow him to bat in both innings of the second Test," a Pakistani source told PTI.
The PCB, meanwhile, had made wholesale changes after a 0-2 Test series defeat in England. That included Imam being sent back to Pakistan after his controversial stunt during the Lord’s Test.
Imam-ul-Haq's Pakistan Journey So Far
A nephew of Pakistan’s legendary captain and batter Inzamam-ul-Haq, Imam has played 31 Tests for Pakistan. There, he made 1865 runs at an average of 34.53, with three centuries and 11 half-centuries.
ODI, however, was Imam’s most suited format for Pakistan. He has an average over 47 in 50-over games, with 3152 runs coming at 81.95. He has also featured in two T20Is.
If Imam’s PCB ban gets confirmed, he might not be able to play the World Cup 2027, scheduled to take place in South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe later next year.
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