Watch: "All for show" – Stuart Broad slams Imam-ul-Haq's sideline practice at Lord's despite calf injury

Stuart Broad has criticised Imam-ul-Haq for practising on the sidelines during Pakistan’s second Test against England at Lord’s. The former England fast bowler called the session “all for show” and questioned why Imam was training despite carrying a calf injury.

Imam was ruled out of the remainder of the Test after suffering a low-grade strain to his left calf while fielding on Day 1. The injury came after he dropped two catches, leaving Pakistan a batter short for the rest of the match. The Pakistan opener also did not bat in the second innings as his team suffered another heavy defeat.

The controversy started when cameras showed Imam running training drills on the sidelines with his injured calf heavily taped. The footage quickly went viral on social media, with fans also questioning his decision to practise after being ruled out of the match. 

Watch the video here:

Imam-ul-Haq spotted practising in shorts with taped-up calf despite being ruled out of the Test

Imam-ul-Haq was spotted practising on the sidelines at Lord’s ahead of play on Day 4, despite being ruled out of the Test with a calf injury. The Pakistan opener was seen wearing shorts with tape around his injured calf while knocking the ball around during the practice session.

Imam appeared to be hobbling as he went through some batting drills. There were also suggestions from the Pakistan camp that he could potentially bat if his team needed him during the second innings. However, former England fast bowler Stuart Broad was not impressed by what he saw.

Despite the possibility of batting, Imam did not come out in Pakistan’s second innings. His side suffered another heavy defeat against England and went 2-0 down in the three-Test series.

"That's all for show" — Broad's blunt on-air verdict on Pakistan opener's injury optics

Speaking on Sky Sports, former England fast bowler Stuart Broad strongly criticised Imam-ul-Haq’s public warm-up session at Lord’s. Broad suggested that the Pakistan opener’s practice was more about showing that he was injured than preparing to bat.

“That’s all for show. He has got a bit of stick from the media and maybe his teammates. Whatever. You can do that inside the indoor school without anyone seeing. You don’t have to come wearing shorts and tape and hobble around like that. I am not impressed with that. Sorry,” Broad said.

Broad’s comments added to the questions surrounding Imam’s injury and his decision to practise in front of the cameras. The controversy also comes after former Pakistan batter and chief selector Mohammad Wasim had previously raised concerns about the opener’s injury history.