Imam-ul-Haq cooked by Alastair Cook. [Source - AFP, X.com]Pakistan cricket has become a laughing stock amid the controversy surrounding Imam-ul-Haq’s calf injury, especially after he did not come out to bat in both innings of the 2nd Test despite being picked in Pakistan’s playing XI at Lord’s against England.Imam’s decision not to bat when Pakistan desperately needed him raised serious questions, with the team collapsing badly and eventually suffering a massive defeat. Now, former England captain Alastair Cook has joined the debate.Alastair Cook Tears Into Imam-ul-Haq Over Injury SagaThe cricket world was left stunned when Imam-ul-Haq did not come out to bat after being picked in Pakistan’s playing XI against England at Lord’s, having seemingly picked up a calf injury while fielding on Day 1.The controversy has continued, with former England captain Alastair Cook now sharing his thoughts on the matter. Speaking on the Stick to Cricket podcast, Cook expressed his surprise at Imam-ul-Haq not coming out to bat in either innings at Lord’s.“How did that guy [Imam-ul-Haq] without a calf back? Didn’t Steve Waugh get a 100 limping? Look at Woakesy, with a bust shoulder, Nathan Lyon coming down on crutches with a torn calf. He tore his calf, didn’t he?” Cook said. Also Read: Nasser Hussain Blasts PCB Over Saim Ayub's Selection For Pakistan vs England 3rd TestCook, alongside Michael Vaughan, was left stunned by Imam-ul-Haq’s decision, while he pointed to several examples of players taking the field despite serious injuries when the team needed them to face the bullets.Alastair Cook Chuckles at Imam-ul-Haq’s Criminal Investigation DramaNotably, Alastair Cook appeared to chuckle while discussing Imam-ul-Haq's NCCIA summons, with the Englishman seemingly amused by the latest twist surrounding the Pakistan batter and his troubled tour in England now.Here is the video:Stick to Cricket @StickToCricket "It was a bad look for him." 😬 Should Imam-ul-Haq have batted despite a calf issue? 🤔 🇵🇰 Sep 11, 2026, 12:30 PM Cook’s reaction added to the strange situation, as Pakistan cricket continues to face questions over injuries, player conduct and now a cyber crime inquiry. It has left fans wondering how things have reached this stage.For Imam, what started with the controversial calf injury at Lord’s has now become an increasingly difficult episode. Cook’s laughter only added to the strange situation surrounding Imam and Pakistan cricket in recent weeks.Imam-ul-Haq Can’t Catch A Break As Alastair Cook Joins The CriticismImam-ul-Haq has endured a nightmare in recent weeks, with his injury controversy at the Pakistan vs England Lord’s Test, phone confiscation by the PCB and an cyber crime investigation all piling up after he was among seven players sent home following Pakistan’s heavy defeat against England.His struggles on the field had already put him under pressure. Imam-ul-Haq managed just one half-century in eight Test innings in 2026, averaging 22.25, before the controversy at Lord’s added another layer to his difficult period.The situation has now taken another turn with Alastair Cook questioning Imam-ul-Haq over the injury controversy. Had he batted with his injury and helped Pakistan, the opener could have changed the narrative. Instead, Cook’s comments have added more attention to an already difficult period.Also Read: Joe Root’s Struggles Against Pace: What Has Gone Wrong?
