PCB high‑performance director Aaqib Javed orders an inquiry into Imam‑ul‑Haq’s injury after he missed both innings at Lord’s

Key points

• PCB high‑performance director Aaqib Javed has ordered a formal inquiry into opener Imam ul‑Haq’s injury after the batsman was absent for both innings of the second Test at Lord’s.
• The investigation will examine the medical assessment, treatment protocol and any procedural lapses that may have contributed to the situation.
• PCB officials stress that the probe is intended to protect the team’s competitive edge and uphold player‑welfare standards ahead of the remaining matches in the series.
• Imam’s unavailability raises concerns for Pakistan’s top‑order stability as the side seeks to bounce back from a disappointing performance in England.

The Pakistan Cricket Board’s high‑performance division was left bewildered on Thursday when Imam ul‑Haq, one of the side’s main openers, could not take the crease in either innings of the Lord’s Test against England. Aaqib Javed, who oversees the board’s performance and injury‑management programmes, said the board will launch a comprehensive inquiry to determine how the injury was handled and whether any procedural gaps existed.

Javed emphasised that the PCB cannot afford repeat incidents that jeopardise key players during a crucial overseas series. “We will look into the circumstances surrounding Imam’s condition and ensure that the medical support he received meets the standards we set for all our athletes,” he told reporters. The director added that the findings will be used to refine the board’s health‑monitoring systems and to safeguard the team’s future performances.

Imam’s absence has left Pakistan scrambling to fill a critical opening slot, a role that has historically been a pillar of the team’s batting strategy. Local cricket fans and pundits alike are watching closely, as the opener’s form and fitness have a direct impact on the team’s chances of salvaging the series and maintaining its ICC ranking. The inquiry’s outcome could also influence upcoming selection decisions and the broader conversation about player welfare in Pakistani cricket.

The move comes at a time when the PCB is under pressure to demonstrate accountability and transparency, especially after recent criticism over injury management during overseas tours. By initiating a formal review, the board aims to reassure stakeholders—players, sponsors and the passionate cricket‑loving public—that it is committed to both competitive success and the health of its athletes.