Imam-ul-Haq faces PCB investigation after report claims he previously misrepresented injury

Imam-ul-Haq is at the centre of a Pakistan Cricket Board investigation after reports emerged linking his withdrawal from the second Test at Lord's to a prior disciplinary finding. The PCB has reportedly launched a high-level inquiry into the circumstances of his calf injury during that match, with the development drawing fresh scrutiny to the opener's conduct.

Imam suffered a left calf muscle tear while fielding on the opening day of the Lord's Test against England. He left the field after the tea interval on Day 1 and took no part with the bat in either innings. Salman Ali Agha stepped in as substitute fielder, and scans completed at the close of play that evening led team management to recommend a 10-day rest period.

Imam was subsequently included in a seven-player group sent home from the tour as Pakistan's management overhauled the squad following heavy defeats in the first two Tests of the series.

What did the 2025 PCB committee find, and what is the current investigation about?

According to a report citing a Geo.tv story, a PCB committee convened in 2025 concluded that Imam had misled medical staff during Pakistan's tour of New Zealand. The committee examined a toe complaint he had raised at the time and found that imaging showed no fracture and no dislocation. On that basis, the panel determined he had overstated his symptoms and recommended a ban across all formats. The exact date of those proceedings and the specific match involved remain unconfirmed.

The Lord's incident has now prompted a separate inquiry. Aaqib Javed, a member of the selection committee, publicly described the situation surrounding Imam's withdrawal from the Test as a matter of great concern, with his remarks reported on September 2, 2026, as the PCB probe was said to be under way.

What is the series situation for Pakistan heading into the remaining Tests?

Pakistan have lost both completed Tests in the current series against England by substantial margins, and the decision to send seven players home signals that selectors are prepared to make sweeping changes to the touring group. The squad overhaul is the most visible consequence of those results so far.

Imam's removal from the squad, alongside the ongoing PCB inquiry into his Lord's withdrawal, means he has no realistic path back into the series in the near term. The investigation is expected to cover the full sequence of events from the moment he left the field at Lord's. No formal charges or ban have been announced at the time of writing.