Aaqib warns of Imam ‘inquiry’, calls overhaul a ‘message’ to team management

Aaqib Javed, the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) director of high performance, has delivered a scathing critique of opening batter Imam‑ul‑Haq after the player failed to bat in either innings of the Lord’s Test. In an interview with Geo TV, Aaqib said he is “deeply disappointed” in Imam and indicated that the player would face an inquiry over his absence, which was attributed to a minor calf tear. “The Imam injury is a big question mark, and a deep disappointment,” Aaqib said. “Players in the past used to get injuries, but they used to put on casts and still tried [to play]. We’ll take action against this. How is it possible that a pulled muscle ruled you out of batting in both innings? He should have tried and fought. He’ll have to face an inquiry; I can’t say he faked it, but a muscle pull like that cannot stop you from batting altogether.”

Imam was one of seven players recalled home after Pakistan’s heavy defeat in the second Test at Lord’s. The PCB had earlier announced that he had suffered a tear in his left calf and that his participation would be subject to medical clearance. After remaining sidelined for two days, Imam was seen warming up with the squad on the fourth morning. At the time, Stuart Broad branded the episode “all for show”, and David Warner also mocked the situation on social media.

However, the disciplinary actions extended beyond Imam. Six other players, together with head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul, were dismissed in a sweeping overhaul. Aaqib explained that the PCB intended the move to convey a clear message to the recalled players, criticising what he described as flawed team selection decisions. He highlighted missed opportunities to include a pace all‑rounder, a second wicketkeeper, and fast bowler Ubaid Shah. “The message we’re sending to the recalled players is that you have to raise your game on important tours and compete, and we should be able to see some effort,” he said.

Commenting on the broader discontent surrounding the board’s recent decisions, Aaqib referenced his own two‑year tenure, the succession of coaches including Jason Gillespie and Gary Kirsten, and his brief, ill‑fated stint as an interim coach. He also noted that Misbah‑ul‑Haq, a former selector, had resigned from the panel following the squad reshuffle. Aaqib distanced himself from the selection of the original touring group, stating that while the board bears responsibility for the initial squad, it cannot control match‑to‑match combinations once the team is on tour. “No one doubted these players’ performances when selected. But when players are completely out of form and you’re not competing at all, then we needed to make a decision,” he remarked. He added that the captain, head coach, and management share duties in ensuring the right selections are made.

Aaqib praised the appointment of new Test head coach Mike Hesson, pledging his full support. Nevertheless, he acknowledged that the extensive personnel changes may not guarantee a victory in the third Test, describing them as a symbolic gesture to demonstrate that Pakistan still possesses talent. “One man doesn’t run a team. A coach and captain run the team concurrently. Mike Hesson has taken responsibility, and we’ll try and support him in every way,” Aaqib said. “Let’s see how Babar and Mike work together. It’s difficult to see us getting a result in one match, but people should see we still have talent.”

The third Test is scheduled to commence on 9 September at Edgbaston.

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