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Imam-ul-Haq gets PCB green signal after ban from domestic cricket

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has cleared Imam-ul-Haq to return to domestic cricket, ending a suspension tied to an ongoing investigation by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA). The inquiry stemmed from allegations involving leaks of team information and potential ties to online betting, following his removal from Pakistan’s England tour.

Naqvi’s decision comes after a similar clearance was granted to teammate Mohammad Rizwan, who also faced scrutiny over his phone and financial records during the same probe. Imam-ul-Haq will now represent Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) in the final round of the President’s Trophy Grade-I tournament, marking his first competitive action since the controversy erupted.

The PCB’s investigation into Imam-ul-Haq was triggered by multiple incidents, including accusations of faking injuries. During Pakistan’s 2023 Lord’s Test, he reportedly suffered a minor calf strain but was unable to bat in either innings, raising questions about the severity of his condition.

Earlier, during the 2025 New Zealand tour, allegations surfaced that he used ink to simulate a toe injury, though medical tests revealed no fracture. Former England bowler Stuart Broad and ex-Pakistan selector Mohammad Wasim had previously criticized Imam for suspected fitness issues, including a disputed injury during the 2022 Multan Test.

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