Imam-ul-Haq faces two-year ban after Lord's Test injury controversy

Pakistan batter Imam-ul-Haq could face a ban of up to two years over the controversy surrounding his injury during the second Test against England at Lord's, according to Geo News.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is in the process of setting up a high-level investigation team to look into the circumstances surrounding Imam's calf injury, Geo News sources said on Wednesday.

According to Geo News sources, Imam could be handed a ban of one to two years if the inquiry finds him guilty of misconduct. The matter has also brought renewed scrutiny on an earlier injury-related controversy involving the Pakistani left-handed batter during Pakistan's tour of New Zealand in March 2025. sportbet.rodeo

Imam suffered a low-grade calf strain while fielding on the opening day of the Lord's Test and subsequently did not bat in either of Pakistan's innings. The visiting side crumbled for 110 after England compiled 290, before being bowled out for 194 in pursuit of 389, resulting in a 194-run defeat and a 2-0 series loss with a Test match to go.

Pakistan cricket in turbulence after Lord's Test

Sources indicated that the Pakistan board's decision to launch a fresh probe arises from suspicions regarding the legitimacy of Imam's injury and his absence from action.

This latest situation has brought back attention to a prior PCB investigation from the tour of New Zealand. During that tour, Imam was held responsible by an inquiry panel for allegedly exaggerating or faking an injury after taking a hit to his right big toe in an indoor net session on March 28, 2025.

The committee determined that the opener had misled the medical team in an attempt to pull out of the series-opening ODI.

Similarly, wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has come under intense scrutiny regarding disciplinary matters. Board officials are expected to interview Rizwan shortly, with sources noting that his future selection across national teams remains highly doubtful.

Both players were among seven members released from the Test squad following the Lord's defeat. Pakistan have named five uncapped players while bringing Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke onto the coaching staff ahead of the final Test at Edgbaston beginning September 9.

(With inputs from ANI)

Buenos Aires [Argentina], September 3 (ANI): Lionel Messi has added his own twist to the long-running debate over football’s greatest player by sharing a receipt-style Instagram post highlighting his achievements with Argentina.

The Instagram post, part of a new brand campaign, presents Messi’s international career in what could be seen as a bar receipt, with his goals, assists, minutes played, and major honours listed as itemised entries.

The creative campaign uses the receipt as a visual representation of Messi’s remarkable journey with the Argentina national team, turning his career statistics and achievements into a symbolic “tab."

Among the honours highlighted were Argentina’s 2022 FIFA World Cup triumph, multiple Copa America titles, an Olympic gold medal and the Finalissima.

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A post shared by Leo Messi (@leomessi)

The receipt also references the wider impact of Messi’s career, including the millions of fans he has inspired throughout his time representing Argentina.

The campaign does not mince words. Instead of a standard subtotal or tip line, the receipt rolls out Messi’s achievements line by line before ending with a conclusion at the bottom: “GOAT debate-settled".

The Instagram post comes after Messi decided to retire from international football, adding another chapter to the legacy of the Argentina captain.

In 2022, after years of heartbreaks, particularly the 2014 FIFA World Cup final loss to Germany, Messi tasted FIFA World Cup glory, beating Kylian Mbappe-led France in the final. It was his country’s first WC in 36 years and their third overall, as per ESPN.

Before that, Messi had also played a massive role in ending Argentina’s 28-year title drought, securing the Copa America title in 2021 and winning it back-to-back after World Cup glory in the 2024 edition.

Messi had previously announced his international retirement back in 2016 after Argentina lost to Chile in the Copa America final that year, but reversed it, leading his nation to World Cup glory six years later in Qatar.

Messi scored two goals in the title clash and also converted a penalty, winning the match 4-2 for his side after the match ended in a 3-3 draw at regulation time. The legendary footballer appeared in six FIFA World Cups from 2006 to 2026, scoring 21 goals in 34 matches.

He is the second-highest goal-scorer in the tournament’s history, with France’s Mbappe holding the record with 22 goals. In this year’s World Cup, Messi had eight goals to his name and four assists, making him one of the standout performers in the tournament.

This also included his maiden FIFA WC hat-trick against Algeria. He had overtaken Germany legend Miroslav Klose’s record of most FIFA World Cup goals before Mbappe snatched the top spot from him. (ANI)

(This content is sourced from a syndicated feed and is published as received. The Tribune assumes no responsibility or liability for its accuracy, completeness, or content.)

As Super League Kerala prepares for its third season, the league is betting on sustainability over spectacle. CEO Mathew Joseph outlines a club-first financial model, grassroots talent development, digital innovation and global broadcasting ambitions, while introducing India's first penalty shootout-decided league format. The goal is clear: transform Kerala's football passion into a sustainable ecosystem for Indian football.

Chamari Athapaththu put in an all-round performance during Sri Lanka’s 75-run victory against Indonesia in the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 clash played in Dubai.

She produced a sensational spell of 7/5, which included a hat-trick as Indonesia were bowled out for 49 runs. With this win, Sri Lanka gained a major boost in the NRR as they retained the top spot of Group B in the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 points table.

Being invited to bat first, Sri Lanka lost a string of wickets as they scored only 31/2 in the powerplay.

With the dismissal of Imesha Dulani (3) and Chamari Athapathtu (9), Sanjana tried to stabilise the innings before being dismissed for 15 runs. Harshitha Samarwickrama and Kavisha Dilhari did not make much of a contribution.

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐈 𝐀𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐀𝐓𝐇𝐓𝐇𝐔, 𝐓𝐀𝐊𝐄 𝐀 𝐁𝐎𝐖

A hat-trick and an unbelievable 7/5 — the best bowling figures in Women’s Asia Cup history #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/mXiGueCR1E

— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) September 2, 2026

However, Nilakshika Silva put on a show, scoring 50 runs off 35 deliveries. Meanwhile, other batters got dismissed at intervals.

By the end of 20 overs, Kawya Kavindi (15*) and Sugandika Kumari (8*) remained unbeaten as the side scored 124 runs in their innings.

Chasing the target, Maria Corazon and Rahmanwati Pangestuti opened the innings. Chamari Athapaththu drew the first blood, dismissing Pangestuti for 10 runs. Sugandika Kumari bagged the wicket of Ni Nuh Dewi for 1 on an LBW.

Athapaththu bagged her second wicket, dismissing Maria Corazon for 6 runs as Indonesia lost the wickets of the top order in the powerplay.

Chamari Athapaththu wreaked Indonesia’s lineup as the side lost wickets at intervals. Ni Made Putri Suwandewi was the highest scorer (12*). In the 19th over, Chamari Athapaththu bagged a hat-trick, wiping out the remainder of the lineup as they got dismissed for 49 runs.

Chamari Athapaththu bagged seven wickets while Kawya Kavindi, Sugandika Kumar and Kavisha Dilhari bagged one wicket each.

Chamari Athapaththu was named player of the match. Speaking at the post-match presentation, Athapaththu said, “Yeah, definitely. First of all, I want to appreciate Nilakshi’s knock. She played really good cricket; I’m happy to share this Player of the Match award with her.”

The post Chamari Athapaththu Scripts History With Seven Wickets as Sri Lanka Crush Indonesia appeared first on Times of Sports.

Pakistan cricket has struggled with ongoing coaching instability, marked by numerous changes and management reshuffles since September 2021. The Pakistan Cricket Board has tried various structures and roles for senior management, leading to short-lived appointments of prominent figures like Jason Gillespie and Gary Kirsten. This unpredictable pattern underscores a long-standing challenge within the sport, raising questions about the team's direction and consistency.