Imam-ul-Haq’s decision not to bat despite a reported minor calf strain has sparked criticism from former Pakistan cricketers.
KARACHI: Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq has come under intense criticism after not batting in the second innings of the ongoing Lord’s Test against England, with former fast bowler Mohammad Amir questioning whether his calf injury was serious enough to keep him away from the crease.
Imam reportedly experienced discomfort in his calf after Pakistan’s first innings. A scan arranged by the Pakistan Cricket Board showed a minor strain. However, when Pakistan needed every available batter in the second innings, Imam did not come out to bat.
Amir said Imam should have taken the risk given Pakistan’s position in the match and the importance of the Test series.
“Imam should have come out to bat,” Amir said in an interview. He pointed to previous examples of cricketers batting despite significant injuries, arguing that Imam could have concentrated on surviving at the crease rather than playing attacking shots.
According to Amir, even a limited contribution could have helped Pakistan if Imam had been able to remain at one end.
Amir also questioned the decision to select Imam if he was genuinely unable to bat. He recalled playing matches while carrying a hamstring problem and stressed that players sometimes have to take risks when their team is fighting to stay alive in a series.
“When the team is in a do-or-die situation, you have to take risks,” Amir said, comparing Pakistan’s predicament to that of a drowning person searching for something to hold on to.
The criticism was further intensified by former chief selector Mohammad Wasim, who questioned the authenticity of Imam’s injury and alleged that similar “drama” had occurred in the past.
Imam’s recent Test record has also become part of the discussion. In his last eight Test second innings, he has reportedly scored in double figures only twice, accumulating 45 runs at an average of 5.5.
His fielding has also attracted scrutiny after he dropped a crucial slip catch during the match.
The controversy has consequently moved beyond Imam’s reported calf strain to questions about fitness, commitment and responsibility as Pakistan attempt to remain competitive against England.
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