A senior member of Pakistan’s selection committee has questioned the seriousness of Imam-ul-Haq’s calf injury and called for an inquiry after the opener did not bat in either innings during Pakistan’s 194-run defeat to England in the second Test at Lord’s.Aaqib Javed, who is part of Pakistan’s four-member selection panel, said the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will investigate how Imam was managed after suffering the injury during the match.“An inquiry will be conducted into this matter,” Aaqib Javed told Pakistan’s private news channel Geo TV during an interview aired on Tuesday night, as quoted by news agency AP.Javed questioned how a player could miss both innings because of a muscle injury.“How is it possible that you failed to come out to bat in both innings after pulling up a muscle?” Javed said.He added that players have batted through injuries in the past and described Imam’s case as a matter of concern.“Injuries do occur and we have seen instances in the past where players — even with casts — have gone out and made an effort. This situation is different. It is a matter of great concern, and action will be taken regarding it.”Imam injured his calf while fielding on the opening day of the Lord’s Test and took no further part in the match.After former chief selector Mohammad Wasim questioned Imam’s absence, the opener appeared on the outfield before play on the fourth day. He was seen shadow batting with his left calf heavily strapped but was visibly limping.Imam was one of seven players recalled from England after Pakistan lost the first two Tests at Headingley and Lord’s. Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were also sent back by the PCB.Pakistan have appointed white-ball head coach Mike Hesson and bowling coach Ashley Noffke to take charge of the team for the third Test, which starts in Birmingham on September 9.The selectors have picked five uncapped players for the final Test, along with openers Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal, who have played a combined 10 Tests.Javed also addressed reports of differences between the selectors and the team management over the playing XI for the Lord’s Test.According to Javed, he wanted the team to include fast-bowling all-rounder Ubaid Shah, wicketkeeper-batter Ghazi Ghori and another pace option instead of Mohammad Rizwan. Instead, only Salman Ali Agha was dropped after leading Pakistan in the first Test in Babar Azam’s absence.“We can’t just keep waiting,” Javed said. “I had actually spoken to both the captain and the coach after the first Test, suggesting they include Ubaid, who bowls at 140 kph. Agha was rightly rested, Ghazi Ghori was available on the tour and should have played instead of Rizwan.”
What do you think is most important when selecting a cricket team?
3k+ users shared opinion today
5k+ users already voted today
3k+ users shared opinion today
