Aqib warns of investigation over Imam's injury

Pakistan's left-handed opener Imam-ul-Haq was in the XI for the Lord's Test. But he was not seen batting in both innings of the match. The reason was that he had injured his left leg muscle. However, questions have been raised about Imam's injury from the beginning. Now, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) High Performance Department Director Aqib Javed has expressed that doubt. Not only did he stop at expressing doubt, the former pacer also said that the matter would be investigated.

In an interview with Pakistani media 'Geo', Aqib said that he was 'deeply disappointed' with Imam's incident. He claimed that a batsman would be completely out of batting in both innings due to a muscle strain - this is not easily credible to him.

Aqib said, 'There are big questions about Imam's injury and I am deeply disappointed. In the past, players have tried to take the field with plaster casts even after getting injured. We will take action in this incident. How can he be completely ruled out of batting in both innings due to a muscle strain? He should have tried, he should have fought. He should face an investigation.’

The PCB announced Imam’s injury a few minutes before the start of the second day of the second Test against England at Lord’s. It was reported that he has a muscle injury in his left leg and whether he will be able to play in the future will depend on the doctors’ advice.

However, on the morning of the fourth day, Imam was seen practicing with other cricketers in the team. After that, the controversy over his injury increased further. During the commentary, former England pacer Stuart Broad commented that Imam’s practice was ‘showy’. Former Australian opener David Warner also criticized him on social media.

After the big loss in the Lord’s Test, there have been major changes in the Pakistan team. Seven cricketers, including Imam, have been sent back to the country. At the same time, head coach Sarfraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul have also been removed from their duties.

Aqib also expressed his anger over the team's performance and the selection of the playing eleven. According to him, Pakistan had a pace bowling all-rounder, a second wicketkeeper and a young fast bowler Ubaid Shah, but they were not used properly.

'Two Tests have been completed, but the team could not compete in any way. There is still one Test left. They had a pace bowling all-rounder, a second wicketkeeper and a fast bowler like Ubaid Shah. But they were not played,' said Aqib.

He also has objections to the team formation. Aqib believes that the team's balance has been lost as none of the first seven batsmen bowled. He especially believes that Ubaid Shah, who can bowl at a speed of about 140 kilometers per hour, should have been played.

Pakistan's recent decision has also been widely criticized in the cricket world. Former England star Kevin Pietersen has commented that it is unbelievable. Former coach Mickey Arthur said that there is no stability in Pakistan cricket due to regular changes in coach, captain and players. Former cricketer Shoaib Malik has also criticized the decision to send the players home midway through the tour.

However, Aqib has no intention of leaving his post despite all these changes. He claims that the coach, captain and selectors are responsible for the decisions made during the formation of the team. But if there is no proper coordination on the field after the tour, the captain and coach will also have to take responsibility.

Aqib has also expressed confidence in the new Test coach Mike Hesson. According to him, the coach and captain should work together to turn Pakistan cricket around.

'One person does not run a team. The coach and captain run the team together. Mike Hesson has taken charge. We will try to support him from all sides. Let's see how Babar and Mike work together,' said Aqib.

The third and final Test of the series against England will begin on September 9 at Edgbaston in Birmingham. Before that, it remains to be seen how much this decision of a major change in the Pakistan team will help.