Selector Javed wants inquiry into Imam’s injury, defends recalling 7 players to Pakistan

Islamabad (AP) — Aaqib Javed, a senior Pakistan Cricket Board selection committee member, has raised questions about the severity of Imam-ul-Haq's calf injury and advocated for an inquiry following the opener's absence from Pakistan's second Test loss to England at Lord's. Speaking to Geo TV, Javed stated, "An inquiry will be conducted into this matter.

How is it possible that you failed to come out to bat in both innings after pulling up a muscle?" Injuries are commonplace, he added, citing past instances where players with casts still participated. However, Javed expressed concern over Imam's treatment, particularly given his visible limping and heavily strapped left calf during the fourth day.

Former chief selector Mohammad Wasim echoed similar sentiments in the press. Imam had initially suffered the injury in the field on the first day but returned to the field on the fourth day, albeit limping and heavily strapped. Following Wasim's criticism, Imam appeared on the field before play on the fourth day but was visibly limping.

Javed was part of a four-member selection panel that recalled seven players from England, including bowling coach Umar Gul and head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed, in the wake of Pakistan's defeats at Headingley and Lord's. The team management, as reported, is set to include five uncapped players and two others with minimal test experience.

There have been reports of tensions between the team management and Javed regarding the playing XI for the Lord's test. Javed suggested including a fast bowling allrounder, pace bowler Ubaid Shah, and wicketkeeper-batter Ghazi Ghori, instead of Mohammad Rizwan. However, the tour management ultimately dropped Salman Ali Agha, who had led the team in the first test due to Babar Azam's injury.

Javed emphasized, "We can't just keep waiting. I had actually spoken to both the captain and the coach after the first test, suggesting they include Ubaid, who bowls at 140 kph."