Mohammad Wasim accuses Imam-ul-Haq of faking injury

The Accusation

Mohammad Wasim, a former Pakistan cricket selector, has publicly claimed that Pakistan opening batter Imam-ul-Haq exaggerated or invented injury problems to avoid playing.

Wasim made the allegation midway through Pakistan's second Test against England at Lord's in London, after Imam was ruled out of the match with a calf problem.

The two publications describe his role slightly differently. Fox Sports calls him a former Pakistan selector, while Hindustan Times describes him as a former Pakistan batter and chief selector.

The 2022 Claim

Wasim's central claim concerns an earlier episode. He said Pakistan's team physiotherapist approached him before an injury involving Imam was made public during a Test in 2022.

"The physio had actually come to me and told me beforehand," Wasim said. "The announcement hadn't even been made yet, and the decision hadn't even been made. I think the player hadn't said anything either. He came and warned me that this was going to happen."

According to Hindustan Times, Wasim added that the physiotherapist told him similar things had happened in the past and that coaches had complained about them. The two sources differ on where and how he spoke. Fox Sports says the comments were made on Wasim's YouTube channel and refers to a 2022 Test against England in Multan; Hindustan Times says they came in an online discussion with Pakistan cricket historian Dr Nauman Niaz and refers only to a home Test.

The Injury and the Reaction

The accounts of the current injury also differ. Fox Sports reports Imam hurt himself batting in the first Test at Headingley in Leeds, where he needed medical attention while making 42, and that the problem worsened while he was fielding on the opening day at Lord's. Hindustan Times reports he strained his left calf while fielding on day one at Lord's.

Pakistan first said it was a calf strain, then said before day four that it was a grade 1 tear, according to Fox Sports. Imam, who is 30, did not bat in either innings at Lord's, leaving the team a batter short.

Before play on day four, Imam appeared on the outfield in shorts, with his left calf taped, receiving throwdowns and hobbling. Former England fast bowler Stuart Broad said on Sky Sports the display was "all for show" and could have been done indoors, adding: "I am not impressed with that." Former Pakistan women's cricketer Urooj Mumtaz suggested outside noise or pressure may have prompted the appearance.

Match Outcomes

Pakistan lost the first Test by an innings and 103 runs, with Imam scoring 42 and 0. At Lord's they were bowled out for 194 in the second innings and lost by 194 runs.

Hindustan Times reports Imam dropped two catches on the opening day at Lord's. Whether Pakistan or its board will respond to Wasim's allegations is not stated in either report.