The Pakistan opener suffered a left calf muscle injury while fielding on the opening day of the second Test at Lord’s. Imam left the field after the tea interval and was unable to bat in either innings, with Salman Ali Agha stepping in as a substitute fielder.
Medical scans reportedly showed the extent of the injury, and team management recommended that Imam undergo around 10 days of rest. He was later among seven players sent home as Pakistan made major changes to their touring squad following defeats in the opening two Tests.
What happened during Pakistan’s 2025 New Zealand tour?
According to reports citing Geo.tv, a PCB committee that investigated an incident during Pakistan’s 2025 tour of New Zealand concluded that Imam had misrepresented a toe injury.
The committee reportedly reviewed medical evidence that showed no fracture or dislocation and determined that Imam had overstated his symptoms. The panel subsequently recommended disciplinary action, including a ban across formats. However, details surrounding the original case, including the exact match and date of the proceedings, have not been independently confirmed.
The latest controversy relates to a separate inquiry into Imam’s withdrawal from the Lord’s Test. Selection committee member Aaqib Javed has reportedly described the circumstances surrounding the injury as a matter of serious concern.
Pakistan’s squad faces major changes
Pakistan have suffered heavy defeats in both completed Tests of the ongoing series against England, prompting the team management and selectors to make sweeping changes to the touring party.
With Imam already sent home and the PCB reportedly examining the circumstances surrounding his Lord’s injury, his chances of returning to the squad during the current series appear remote.
However, no formal charges or new ban have been announced by the PCB at this stage, and the reported investigation remains ongoing.
