Former selector alleges Pakistan opener faked injuries amid calf strain controversy

Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq’s calf injury has come under fresh scrutiny after former chief selector Mohammad Wasim made a startling claim about the batter’s history of allegedly faking injuries. Imam was ruled out of the remainder of the Lord’s Test against England after suffering a left calf strain while fielding on the opening day. However, Wasim has now alleged that the batter had previously used injury concerns to avoid playing, and claimed he was warned about one such incident before it happened. Speaking about Imam’s alleged injury history, Wasim said: "In 2022 Multan test, the physio warned me in advance that he is going to fake an injury soon. And he did that." Wasim’s remarks have added another layer to the controversy surrounding Imam, who missed Pakistan’s ongoing second Test against England after the Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed that scans showed a low-grade calf strain.

What happened at Lord’s?

Imam picked up the injury during the opening day of the Lord’s Test and spent time away from the field during Thursday’s evening session. The PCB subsequently confirmed the nature of the injury. "Scans later confirmed a low-grade calf strain and Imam is currently receiving treatment under the supervision of the Pakistan medical team," the PCB said. "His participation in the remainder of the Test depends on treatment leading to recovery," it added. Imam had opened the innings alongside young Azan Awais during the first Test at Leeds, which Pakistan lost by an innings inside three days. He was subsequently unable to take part in the remainder of the Lord’s Test, leaving Pakistan without one of their established opening batters.

Pakistan struggle continues

Pakistan’s problems at Lord’s extended well beyond Imam’s absence. England took a commanding position after bowling Pakistan out for just 110, securing a first-innings advantage of 180 runs. The visitors had yet to reach 180 in an innings during the series.

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England’s pace attack made the most of the conditions, with Ollie Robinson producing figures of 4-11 from 13 overs, including six maidens. Jofra Archer claimed 3-26 from 11.2 overs, while Josh Tongue took two wickets and Gus Atkinson went wicketless. Pakistan were dismissed in only 37.2 overs, having returned to bat less than a few hours after England had been bowled out for 290. By the end of the second day, England had stretched their overall lead to 261 runs after reaching 81-3 in their second innings before bad light brought an early close. Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Ali did manage to remove Ben Duckett, Jordan Cox and Joe Root in the final session, but England remained firmly in control. Wasim’s allegation now puts the spotlight on Imam’s injury record, although the PCB has officially diagnosed his latest setback as a low-grade calf strain.