ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) – The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has expanded its investigation into batter Imam-ul-Haq and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan following Pakistan’s heavy defeat in the Lord’s Test, with the board examining the players’ activities and contacts during their stay in London, according to reports.
The PCB has obtained data from the mobile phones of the two cricketers as part of the investigation. The board is also looking into the people with whom Imam and Rizwan remained in contact, while the possibility of strict disciplinary action is also being considered.
Reports said Imam could potentially face a ban of up to two years if solid evidence is found against him in connection with the controversy surrounding his injury during the second Test against England. A high-level investigation committee is also being established by the PCB to examine the matter.
Imam suffered a low-grade calf strain while fielding on the opening day of the Lord’s Test and did not bat in Pakistan’s first innings. Pakistan were bowled out for 110 after England had posted 290. Imam also remained unavailable in the second innings as Pakistan were dismissed for 194 while chasing 389, losing the match and the series.
According to reports, the development prompted the PCB to launch a high-level investigation into Imam’s injury. The matter has also revived questions about an earlier incident during Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand in March 2025.
Reports said a PCB inquiry committee had previously held Imam responsible for allegedly faking an injury during that tour. The incident reportedly occurred on March 28, 2025, when a ball struck his right big toe during an indoor net session. The committee reportedly concluded that he had fabricated, exaggerated or misrepresented symptoms and misled medical staff, while deliberately attempting to make himself unavailable for the opening ODI.
Meanwhile, the PCB is also examining concerns regarding Rizwan’s discipline. Sources said the wicketkeeper-batter could be questioned over the matter in the coming days and may not be included in the Pakistan team in the near future.
The latest investigation is also examining the activities and contacts of both players in London. Sources said that after the team reached the hotel following Pakistan’s 194-run defeat at Lord’s, the team’s security officer took possession of the mobile phones of Imam and Rizwan. The phones were reportedly returned several hours later after their data had been transferred elsewhere.
The PCB had already released Imam and Rizwan along with several other players as part of sweeping changes to the Test squad ahead of the third and final Test against England.
Reports said that if concrete evidence emerges during the ongoing investigation, both players could face heavy fines and bans. It also cannot be ruled out that they may not get an opportunity to represent Pakistan in the future.
When contacted, a PCB spokesperson declined to confirm the reports regarding the mobile phone data and the ongoing investigation.