Imam-ul-Haq Likely to Face Ban as PCB and Cyber Crime Agency Probe Misconduct Allegations

Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq is facing the prospect of disciplinary action after authorities prepared an initial report concerning allegations of an injury irregularity, dressing-room leaks and breaches of team discipline.

The report has brought an earlier case involving the left-hander back into focus. Sources said the PCB had previously recommended a two-year ban over an injury sustained by Imam during Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand, but the punishment was avoided after a former head coach, selector and captain met board officials and urged them not to impose a ban.

The latest allegations relate to Pakistan’s Test series against England and include claims that Imam faked an injury and disclosed confidential dressing-room information. The authorities are now considering the allegations alongside the earlier case, leaving Imam's immediate future uncertain.

The inquiry comes as investigators examine the affairs of Imam and Mohammad Rizwan, who were among the players released from Pakistan’s squad following the team’s first two Tests in England. The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has obtained their mobile phones for forensic and technical analysis.

Financial activity involving the two cricketers is a major part of the NCCIA investigation. Sources said transactions and bank accounts from before and after the England series are being examined, including suspected payments involving companies, individuals and organisations.

Digital material recovered from the phones, including messages and contacts, is also being analysed. Investigators are expected to trace any transactions considered suspicious to determine where funds originated and where they were transferred.

Pakistan's results in England triggered the squad changes. The side suffered an innings-and-103-run defeat in the opening Test before losing at Lord’s by 194 runs, prompting the PCB to release seven players: Rizwan, Imam, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Owais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad.

The board also ended the tenures of head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul. Before those changes, the PCB had asked a member of the selection committee to explain the inclusion of Imam and Rizwan for the West Indies and England tours, issuing a formal notice on August 31 over a June 2 selection meeting.

Rizwan has played 47 Tests, 103 ODIs and 106 T20Is for Pakistan. Sources said he contacted the PCB before appearing before the NCCIA and later travelled from London to Islamabad after his release from the Test squad.

The PCB has yet to announce a final punishment against Imam. The reported initial findings could, however, lead to further disciplinary proceedings, with Imam likely to face ban if the allegations are established.