Imam-ul-Haq will be investigated, Aaqib Javed targeted the selection and team management

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Lord's Test Controversy: Warning of inquiry against Imam-ul-Haq; Aaqib Javed says, "The whole world is laughing at us"

A massive uproar has erupted in Pakistan cricket following the crushing defeat against England in the Lord's Test. Aaqib Javed, the Director of High Performance at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), has launched a scathing attack on opening batsman Imam-ul-Haq. Questioning Imam's decision not to come out to bat in either innings of the Lord's Test, Aaqib has called for a strict inquiry and subsequent action against him.

Imam is among the seven players recalled home immediately after the defeat at Lord's. Additionally, head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul have been relieved of their duties.

'How did a mere muscle strain rule him out of both innings?'

In an interview with Geo News, Aaqib Javed expressed his disappointment regarding Imam's injury. He said:

Imam's injury raises a major question mark. In the past, players would take the field even with casts or bandages when injured. We will take strict action on this. How can a player refuse to bat in both innings just because of a minor muscle strain? He should have gone out to the crease and fought. He will have to face an inquiry; I am not saying the injury was a pretext, but such an injury cannot completely prevent you from batting.

It is worth noting that on the second day of the Lord's Test, the PCB had announced that Imam was suffering from a strain (low-grade tear) in his left calf. Subsequently, he did not come out to bat in either innings, yet on the morning of the fourth day, he was seen warming up with the rest of the team.

Questions Raised About Management and Captaincy

Aqib Javed also took Captain Babar Azam and the management to task regarding team selection. He clarified that the changes to the team were made to send a strong message:

• Lack of Variety in Pace Attack: Aqib stated that he had urged the captain and coach to field Ubaid Shah—who bowls at speeds of 140 km/h—because Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, and Khurram Shahzad were all bowling at similar speeds.
• Flaws in Team Combination: None of the top-seven batsmen bowl. Furthermore, there was an opportunity to try out Ghazi Ghori in place of Mohammad Rizwan, who has been struggling with poor form.
• Global Embarrassment: Aqib stated bluntly, "The whole world is laughing at us because we aren't even able to put up a fight. The message to the players sent home is that one must show fight during major tours."

Mike Hesson to Take Charge; Misbah Resigns

Following this major reshuffle, former captain Misbah-ul-Haq has resigned from the selection panel. However, Aqib Javed flatly refused to step down, noting that deciding the playing XI after the squad is selected is the responsibility of the captain and the coach.

White-ball coach Mike Hesson will take charge of the Test team for the series' third and final Test (starting September 9 at Edgbaston). Aqib acknowledged that turning results around overnight in a single match is not easy, but the move was necessary to prove that there is no shortage of talent in Pakistan cricket.