Imam Ul Haq to take big step after PCB orders investigation into his alleged 'fake injury'

Legal action may soon be on the cards for Imam-ul-Haq as the fallout from his controversial Lord’s injury continues to escalate. Facing an emergency probe launched by the Pakistan Cricket Board, the 30-year-old opener is preparing to consult legal counsel to defend himself against claims surrounding the calf strain he sustained while fielding during England's opening innings. The injury sidelined him for ten days and kept him out of the crease for both of Pakistan's innings.

Imam-Ul-Haq could explore legalities amidst PCB's probe into fake injury claims

Doubts over the legitimacy of his condition quickly intensified during the fourth day of the match. Witnesses noted Imam taking throwdowns in full view while wearing a calf bandage and noticeably struggling, a display that prompted officials to order him back to the dressing room. The scene drew sharp criticism from several former international players who openly questioned if he was exaggerating the injury. Having already been sent back to Pakistan alongside six squad mates early Tuesday, Imam now faces an official inquiry committee that could determine his international future.

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Imam-ul-Haq’s troubles run much deeper than his recent calf injury. Former chief selector Muhammad Wasim previously revealed that team physio Cliffe Deacon had raised serious red flags over the opener’s recurring fitness issues during England's 2022 tour of Pakistan. The situation reached a breaking point following media reports that an internal PCB investigation in 2025 concluded Imam had faked a toe injury in New Zealand, even recommending a blanket ban across all cricket formats.

Pakistan team undergoes big shake-up ahead of 3rd Test vs England

This fitness controversy erupted alongside a complete purge of Pakistan’s red-ball setup. After embarrassing defeats by an innings and 103 runs at Headingley and 194 runs at Lord’s, the PCB took drastic action ahead of the third Test in Birmingham from September 9–13. Seven players were dropped—Imam-ul-Haq, Awais Zafar, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Aamir Jamal, Ali Usman, and Khurram Shahzad—making room for an injected wave of fresh talent, including Saim Ayub, Abdullah Fazal, Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Imran, Razaullah, Mohammad Imran Jr, and Saad Baig.

The overhaul was equally ruthless behind the scenes. Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were relieved of their duties, with white-ball head coach Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke brought in to steer the red-ball side. Despite being dropped from the upcoming match at Edgbaston, Sarfaraz and four of the released players—Agha, Usman, Jamal, and Shahzad—plan to remain in England for a few extra days before returning home.