Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Director of High Performance Aaqib Javed has publicly questioned opener Imam-ul-Haq's decision to skip batting in both innings of the Lord's Test against England, saying the left-hander will face a formal inquiry into the nature of his injury. The remarks, made in an interview with Pakistani broadcaster Geo, mark the most direct official criticism of Imam since he was recalled home alongside six other players following a heavy defeat.

The Injury Under Scrutiny

Before play on the second day at Lord's, the PCB announced that Imam had sustained a tear in his left calf. His continued participation was said to depend on medical advice. He did not bat in either innings of the match.

The situation drew further attention when Imam was spotted warming up with the squad ahead of the fourth day's play — a detail that drew sharp criticism from former England pacer Stuart Broad and Australia batter David Warner, among others.

Aaqib said the injury raised serious questions. 'The Imam injury is a big question mark and a deep disappointment,' he said, as quoted by Cricinfo. 'Players in the past used to get injured, but they would put on casts and still try to play. We'll take action on 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,' he added.

Sweeping Changes After Two Tests

Pakistan's struggles in the first two Tests prompted a significant reshuffle. Along with Imam, six other players were recalled home. Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were also removed from their roles. Mike Hesson has since taken charge of the Test side.

Aaqib defended the decisions as a necessary signal to the squad. 'Two Test matches have come and gone, and the team has not competed in any way,' he said. 'Someone had to take action. The world is laughing at us because we can't even compete. The message we're sending to the recalled players is that they have to raise their game on important tours and compete, and that we should be able to see some effort.'

Tactical Criticism: Ubaid Shah and the All-Rounder Gap

Aaqib also took aim at the selection decisions made during the series, particularly the absence of Ubaid Shah — a fast bowler who reportedly clocks close to 140 kph — from the playing XI.

'The management had a pace all-rounder available, a second wicketkeeper, and a fast bowler in Ubaid Shah, but those decisions were not being made,' Aaqib said. He argued that the bowling attack — comprising Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, and Khurram Shahzad — was too similar in pace to pose a varied threat. He also suggested that Ghazi Ghori should have played ahead of Rizwan as wicketkeeper, and that an all-rounder should have been included in the top seven.

Hesson, Babar, and the Road Ahead

Despite the turbulence, Aaqib expressed confidence in the squad's underlying talent and backed the new coaching setup. 'One man doesn't run a team. A coach and captain run the team together. Mike Hesson has taken responsibility, and we'll try to support him in every way. 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 that we still have talent,' he said.

With one Test remaining in the series, Pakistan face the challenge of salvaging some credibility under a new coaching structure — and with several questions, including Imam's fitness inquiry, still unresolved.