(Web Desk) - Former chief selector Mohammad Wasim has questioned Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq’s injury during the ongoing Lord’s Test, alleging that the batter may have used the injury as an excuse to avoid facing the first ball.
Imam complained of discomfort in his calf during the match, after which the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) arranged a scan. The examination reportedly showed only a minor strain.
Mohammad Wasim criticised Imam’s decision not to take the strike, saying similar incidents had occurred in the past. He questioned why the experienced opener appeared reluctant to come onto the field and repeatedly handed the strike to debutant Azaan Owais.
Imam has also faced criticism from cricket circles over his decision not to face the first delivery despite being an experienced international batter. According to the criticism, he avoided taking the first ball against Bangladesh, West Indies and England in previous matches and instead allowed younger batter Azaan Owais to take the strike.
Several cricketers in the past have batted despite playing with serious injuries, including broken fingers and fractured bones, prompting further debate over Imam’s decision to sit out with a reported minor calf strain.
The opener’s recent Test record has also come under scrutiny. In his last eight Test second innings, Imam has crossed double figures only twice and scored 45 runs at an average of 5.5, according to the figures cited in the criticism.
His performance in the field has also been questioned after he dropped an important catch in the slips.