Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq could reportedly be in serious trouble over the injury controversy that emerged during the second Test against England at Lord’s.
According to a report by Geo News, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is preparing to set up a high-level committee to investigate what happened. If the allegations against Imam are proven, he could reportedly face a ban of up to two years.
Imam’s injury raises questions
Imam was injured while fielding on the opening day of the second Test and did not take part in the remainder of the match.
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What raised eyebrows, however, was the fact that he did not bat in either innings. The situation came under greater scrutiny on Day 4 when television footage showed Imam hitting the ball ahead of the day’s play.
Pakistan eventually went on to lose the Test by 194 runs, handing England an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Imam has faced questions over injury-related incidents in the past, and the latest controversy has now prompted the PCB to look into the matter.
PCB also concerned about Rizwan
Imam is not the only Pakistan player reportedly under scrutiny.
According to the Geo News report, the PCB has also raised concerns over Mohammad Rizwan’s discipline. The wicketkeeper-batter could be questioned by the board in the coming days.
Rizwan’s place in the national team could also be under threat, with the report claiming that he may not be considered for selection in the near future.
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Pakistan make major changes
Pakistan’s problems have increased after their back-to-back defeats against England.
The team management has already made sweeping changes to the squad. Seven players have been dropped, including Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman and Khurram Shahzad.
The selectors have also brought in five uncapped players as Pakistan look to make a fresh start.
In another major change, Pakistan have parted ways with head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed ahead of the final Test. White-ball coach Mike Hesson has been handed charge of the team for the match.
England eye 3-0 sweep
England have already secured the three-match series after taking a 2-0 lead.
The hosts will now look to complete a clean sweep when the two teams meet in Birmingham for the third and final Test.
For Pakistan, the match will be another opportunity to stop the slide after a difficult series that has already triggered major changes within the team.