London, September 2, 2026: Pakistan batter Imam-ul-Haq could face a ban of up to two years following controversy surrounding his injury during the second Test against England at Lord’s, with sources saying the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is preparing a high-level investigation into the matter.
According to sources, the PCB is in the process of constituting a high-level inquiry committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding Imam’s calf injury, which ruled him out of batting in both innings of the Lord’s Test.
Sources said Imam could potentially face a ban ranging from one to two years if the investigation establishes wrongdoing.
The development has also revived concerns over an earlier injury-related controversy involving the left-handed batter during Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand in March 2025.
Imam sustained what was described as a low-grade calf strain while fielding on the opening day of the Lord’s Test. He subsequently did not bat in Pakistan’s first innings the following day, as the visitors were dismissed for just 110 in reply to England’s 290.
He also remained unavailable for the second innings when Pakistan were chasing a target of 389. The visitors were eventually bowled out for 194, handing England a 194-run victory and an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
The circumstances surrounding Imam’s injury reportedly prompted the PCB to initiate a detailed inquiry, with the board now examining whether his unavailability complied with medical and team protocols.
The latest investigation has brought renewed attention to an earlier PCB inquiry into Imam during Pakistan’s New Zealand tour in March 2025.
According to sources, a PCB inquiry committee had held Imam responsible for allegedly faking an injury during the tour. The incident reportedly occurred on March 28, 2025, when a ball struck his right big toe during an indoor net session.
Sources said the committee had concluded that Imam fabricated, exaggerated or misrepresented his symptoms and misled members of the medical staff. It reportedly further found that he had deliberately attempted to make himself unavailable for Pakistan’s opening ODI.
The PCB is now expected to examine whether the circumstances surrounding the Lord’s Test represent a recurrence of similar conduct before deciding on any disciplinary action.
Meanwhile, the board is also reportedly considering strict action against wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan over what sources described as disciplinary concerns.
Sources said Rizwan could be questioned by the PCB in the coming days and may not be considered for selection in a Pakistan team in the near future.
Both Imam and Rizwan were among the players released by the PCB as part of sweeping changes to Pakistan’s Test setup ahead of the third and final Test against England.
The developments come after Pakistan suffered consecutive heavy defeats in the first two Tests, prompting the PCB to overhaul the squad and coaching setup amid mounting criticism of the team’s performance and discipline.
