Pakistan Cricket Board is understood to be launching an investigation into opening batter Imam-ul-Haq’s latest calf injury.
Imam, who sustained what was initially identified as a calf strain while fielding on day one, did not bat in Pakistan’s second innings, where they were bundled out for 110, and could not bat in either innings. With further scans, his calf injury has been diagnosed as a grade-one calf tear.
This rendered Pakistan one batter short in both innings and worsened their issues further as they lost the game by 194 runs.
Broad raises concerns
However, social media has been abuzz with questions about Imam’s injury. The issue gained traction when Stuart Broad on Sky Sports observed the left-handed batter engaged in a light training session ahead of play on the fourth day.
Imam could be seen wearing shorts with his calf heavily strapped and walking with a limp. Broad raised concerns over the way Imam appeared to be managing his injury during the Test, maintaining that he could rehabilitate away from the public eye and that the display seemed performative.
“That’s all for show. He’s had a bit of stick from the media, maybe teammates, whatever. You can do that in an indoor school without anyone seeing. You don’t have to wear shorts and a bit of tape and hobble around like that. I’m sorry, I’m not that impressed with that,” Broad said.
Pakistan’s record chase falls short
Without Imam, Pakistan’s gigantic task of a record chase swelled even more. They were set a 389-run target by England, who cashed in on the first innings lead. But Pakistan could only survive until 194 before the entire team returned to the pavilion. This was England’s first red-ball series win since December 2024, having already won the Headingley Test.
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