Imam-ul-Haq’s recent injury may be re-probed after previous found ‘fake’

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is likely to reinvestigate Imam-ul-Haq’s recent injury in England, according to sources, with details of a previous injury inquiry from Pakistan’s 2025 New Zealand tour also coming to light.

The earlier investigation had questioned the severity and authenticity of an injury Imam reportedly sustained during an indoor training session.

According to sources, Imam was struck on his right toe by a ball during an indoor net session in March 2025 while Pakistan were touring New Zealand. X-rays reportedly found no evidence of a fracture or bone displacement in the toe.

Despite instructions from the medical team, Imam was allegedly seen walking for Iftar, according to details cited from the previous inquiry.

Questions over thumb injury

Imam had reportedly complained of severe pain and pointed to a black mark on his toe as part of his injury concerns. However, the mark allegedly disappeared after the team doctor cleaned the area using special chemical paper.

The PCB inquiry committee subsequently concluded that the black substance was a mark made with ink or a marker rather than naturally occurring blood.

Imam appeared before inquiry committee

Imam appeared before the inquiry committee and denied that any ink or other artificial substance had been applied to his toe. The committee, however, found his position inconsistent with the available medical evidence and the X-ray results.

The inquiry also reportedly observed differences in the way Imam walked. Sources said he appeared to limp while under surveillance but was seen walking normally when he was out of sight.

According to the PCB committee, there was no medical basis to declare Imam unfit for Pakistan’s first ODI against New Zealand. It accused him of faking or exaggerating symptoms and concluded that he had attempted to mislead medical staff about the injury.

The inquiry report also referred to what it described as a deliberate attempt by Imam to sit out the opening ODI of the series.

Recommendation for ban

The previous inquiry committee reportedly recommended that Imam-ul-Haq be barred from representing Pakistan in all formats and at every level. The report also contained allegations that Imam was trying to avoid opening the batting on New Zealand’s difficult, fast pitches.

Those findings have now resurfaced as the PCB considers whether to examine Imam’s more recent injury in England, according to sources.