Imam-ul-Haq Confronts Two-Year Ban Threat Amid Internal Pakistan Cricket Dispute

Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq could face a suspension of up to two years as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) moves to investigate the circumstances surrounding a calf injury he sustained during the second Test against England at Lord's, according to multiple reports citing sources close to the board. A high-level investigation committee is being established by the PCB to examine the matter, with sources indicating that Imam, who was allegedly involved in a fake injury incident in the past, could potentially face a ban of one to two years. 

Imam sustained a low-grade calf strain while fielding on the opening day of the second Test at Lord's, an injury that ruled him out of Pakistan's first innings the following day, when the side was bowled out for just 110 runs in reply to England's total of 290. He also remained unavailable to bat in Pakistan's second innings as the team chased a target of 389, eventually being dismissed for 194 to lose the match and concede the series 2-0. The controversy intensified after television visuals reportedly showed Imam hitting balls around before the start of play on the fourth day, raising questions about the actual severity of his injury and prompting the board to look more closely into the matter.

The renewed scrutiny has also revived an earlier PCB inquiry connected to an incident during Pakistan's tour of New Zealand in March 2025. According to that inquiry, Imam was held responsible by the committee for allegedly fabricating, exaggerating or misrepresenting symptoms after a ball struck his right big toe during an indoor net session on March 28, 2025. The committee had concluded that Imam misled medical staff and deliberately attempted to make himself unavailable for Pakistan's opening ODI of that tour. The resurfacing of that finding is understood to be a significant factor in the board's current deliberations over potential disciplinary action. 

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Alongside the Imam controversy, the report also points to growing concerns within the PCB regarding wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan's conduct. Sources indicated that the board has serious concerns over Rizwan's discipline and could take strict action against him in the future, with Rizwan expected to be questioned by the board in the coming days. Reports further suggest that his inclusion in Pakistan's squads going forward is considered unlikely in the near term, signaling that the wicketkeeper's position within the team setup may be under threat independent of the outcome of the Imam investigation. 

Both players were among a larger group released from Pakistan's Test squad as part of sweeping changes made ahead of the third and final Test against England, following the team's heavy defeat at Lord's. Other players reportedly sent home or dropped from the squad in the same overhaul include Salman Agha, Ali Usman, Aamer Jamal, Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad, reflecting a broader shake-up within Pakistan's Test setup following back-to-back losses in the series.

While reports of a potential two-year ban for Imam have generated significant speculation, the PCB has not issued any official confirmation of a punishment, and any disciplinary action remains contingent on the findings of the forthcoming investigation. The board is expected to first complete its inquiry into the circumstances of the injury before determining whether Imam breached any conduct or fitness-reporting regulations. The developments come amid a wider period of upheaval for Pakistan cricket, with the team's performance in England and its coaching arrangements also reportedly under review by senior PCB officials as the board looks to address a string of disappointing results in the longer format.

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