Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Rizwan under PCB radar; Imam faces two-year ban threat: Report

New Delhi: Pakistan batter Imam-ul-Haq faces a potential ban of up to two years as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) prepares to launch a formal investigation into the injury that sidelined him during the second Test against England at Lord's, according to Geo News.

Sources indicate that the PCB is establishing a high-level inquiry committee to examine the details surrounding the calf injury Imam sustained while fielding on Day 1 at Lord's. The left-hander sat out both innings of the match, which Pakistan ultimately lost by 194 runs to concede a 2-0 series lead. If found guilty of misconduct, Imam could be suspended for one to two years.

The probe has also reopened scrutiny over a previous dispute during Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand in March 2025. In that instance, a PCB inquiry reportedly found that Imam had exaggerated or fabricated symptoms after getting struck on the toe during an indoor net session, allegedly to avoid playing in the series opener.

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The disciplinary sweep extends beyond Imam. Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan is also under PCB scrutiny over separate disciplinary issues, with sources noting his near-term national selection remains unlikely. Both players were among seven dropped from the Test squad following the defeat at Lord's.

Pakistan has brought in five uncapped players alongside white-ball coaches Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke, who step in to guide the side ahead of the final Test at Edgbaston starting September 9. (ANI)