Imam-ul-Haq is facing further scrutiny after Pakistan Cricket Board high-performance director Aaqib Javed questioned why the batter was unable to bat in either innings of the second Test against England at Lord’s despite suffering a low-grade calf injury.

Imam was ruled out of the match after sustaining a low-grade tear in his left calf. The PCB had said before the second day’s play that his participation for the remainder of the Test would depend on medical advice.

However, Aaqib described the situation as a major disappointment and said the injury raised questions about Imam’s decision not to bat.

“How is it possible that a pulled muscle ruled you out of batting in both innings?” Aaqib said. He added that the batter should have attempted to play and fight through the problem.

Aaqib stressed that he was not accusing Imam of faking the injury but said the matter would need to be examined through an inquiry.

Imam’s Absence Draws Criticism

Imam remained out of the match for the following two days before appearing with the Pakistan team for a warm-up session on the fourth morning.

The decision attracted criticism during the broadcast, with former England fast bowler Stuart Broad questioning the purpose of the appearance. Former Australia batter David Warner also raised concerns about the situation on social media.

The controversy comes as Pakistan faces mounting pressure after suffering a heavy defeat at Lord’s, leaving the team 2-0 down in the three-Test series.

Following the defeat, the PCB made sweeping changes to the touring group. Seven players were sent home, while head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were also removed from their positions.

Aaqib Questions Pakistan’s Team Selection

Aaqib defended the changes as necessary to send a message to the players while also criticising the team management for its tactical and selection decisions.

He said Pakistan had failed to compete effectively in the first two Tests and had not made sufficient use of the players available to them.

Among the options he highlighted was fast-bowling all-rounder Ubaid Shah, whose pace could have provided Pakistan with a different dimension in the attack.

Aaqib argued that Pakistan’s top seven batters did not provide a bowling option and said the inclusion of an all-rounder could have improved the team’s balance.

He also questioned the decision to select Mohammad Rizwan as wicketkeeper ahead of Ghazi Ghori and suggested that out-of-form all-rounder Salman Agha could have been left out.

“One fast bowler changes the composition of your attack,” Aaqib said, emphasising the potential impact of adding greater pace to the bowling attack.

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Pressure Mounts on Pakistan Cricket Management

The latest changes have also increased scrutiny of Aaqib himself, who has held senior selection and high-performance responsibilities for the past two years during a period marked by frequent changes within Pakistan’s coaching structure.

Jason Gillespie and Gary Kirsten have both departed their coaching positions, while Aaqib temporarily combined his administrative responsibilities with a coaching role.

Former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq has also stepped down from the selection panel following the latest reshuffle.

Despite the criticism, Aaqib said he had no plans to resign. He argued that responsibility for the original touring squad rested with the selectors, coach and captain, while match-to-match decisions once a tour began belonged to the team management.

“When we select the team as coach or captain and make a squad, we’re responsible for that squad,” he said, adding that the captain, head coach and management had their own responsibilities once the team was on tour.

Hesson Backed Ahead of Third Test

Aaqib backed Mike Hesson, who is taking charge of the Test side while continuing in his role as Pakistan’s white-ball coach.

He acknowledged that the recent changes were unlikely to transform the team immediately, saying it would be difficult to expect a result in just one match.

However, he maintained that Pakistan still possessed enough talent to compete and urged observers to look beyond the immediate results.

Pakistan will now turn its attention to the third Test, which is scheduled to begin at Edgbaston on September 9.