Amid Pakistan’s struggles on their ongoing England tour, former chairman of selectors Muhammad Wasim has made concerning claims about a current top-order batter, suggesting that the player may be faking injuries to avoid playing on pitches that offer assistance to fast bowlers.
Wasim, the former chairman of Pakistan’s selection panel, recalled an instance from the 2022 Multan Test against England, claiming that the team physio had warned him in advance that the aforementioned player was going to claim he was injured when that was not the case.
“In 2022 Multan Test, the physio came to me and warned me in advance that this is going to happen (fake injury) soon. And he did that. He should not be unfit. Then he said it has happened in the past, coaches
have complained about it,” Wasim said on his YouTube channel.
Although Wasim did not name the player, it was Imam-ul-Haq who complained of a hamstring issue during the Multan Test and batted lower in the order. To his credit, the left-handed batter scored a half-century in the second innings despite the fitness concern.
Imam was notably absent from Pakistan’s first innings in the ongoing Lord’s Test against England, where they collapsed to be bowled out for 110. In a statement, the PCB revealed that the opener had suffered a calf strain and that his participation for the remainder of the Test was uncertain.
“Scans later confirmed a low-grade calf strain and Imam is currently receiving treatment under the supervision of the Pakistan medical team. His participation in the remainder of the Test depends on treatment leading to recovery,” PCB said.
Wasim further said the Pakistan cricket team needs to move on from “such characters”.
“We need to get rid of such characters because the same message goes to others in the team too…This (practice) is being repeated and the people in charge need to look at it. We should take actions now,” he said.
“In domestic cricket, some players, including this one, do not play on pitches with grass. They come to bat later when the pitches are flat or turning. If you look at the history, you will know who the repeat offenders are. It’s part of their character. He didn’t come (to bat) in the lower order. I am sure Sarfaraz (Ahmed) is noticing this and they will take action,” he added.
