Due to a Grade 1 tear in his left calf, Imam-ul-Haq is unlikely to participate in Pakistan’s Lord’s Test match against England. It has been suggested that he take ten days off. After the first day of play, he had scans, which showed how serious the damage was.
During the first day’s evening session, Imam had already been ejected from the pitch. On day two, as Pakistan’s first innings started, he did not bat; instead, Salman Agha took the pitch in his place. In response to England’s first-innings score of 290, Pakistan was bowled out for 110, giving the hosts a commanding lead as the game went on.
What has the PCB stated and what do the scans reveal?
A low-grade calf strain was confirmed in the PCB’s official statement, which also stated that Imam’s development would be evaluated by the medical panel before to any final decision about his participation. When asked about his condition, club management gave cautious answers, and the board could not provide a precise recovery date.
The injury makes Imam’s series even more challenging. He shared a 91-run third-wicket partnership with Abdullah Shafique and scored 42 runs in the first innings of the first Test at Headingley, but Pakistan lost by an innings and 103 runs. As of August 28, 2026, the PCB had not made any official squad adjustments.
What impact does Imam’s absence have on Pakistan’s standing in the series?
After the third day at Lord’s, England had a lead of 357 runs, putting significant pressure on Pakistan’s remaining hitters. Imam’s inability to bat in the first innings left the top order already short-handed, therefore it is on to those who are still fit to take the pitch to prevent defeat.
If Pakistan loses at Lord’s, it would be England’s first Test series win since December 2024, and Pakistan’s record in their previous ten Tests played abroad is now nine losses. Pakistan defeated the series 1-0 when the two teams faced off on English soil in 2020 during the Covid-era tour. Imam’s fitness in the days between games will be a major issue for Pakistan’s management as they get ready for the third and final Test of the current series, which is set to start on September 9 in Birmingham.
