Pakistan’s disastrous England Test tour has taken another dramatic turn, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) launching an internal disciplinary enquiry into the team. The development comes after a sweeping mid-series shake-up that saw seven players dropped and two members of the coaching staff released ahead of the final Test.
PCB spokesperson Amir Mir confirmed the enquiry on Monday, September 7, saying the board was looking into media reports concerning discipline and conduct within the team. However, the PCB did not disclose details of the allegations or indicate whether the enquiry was linked to any particular player.
“The Pakistan Cricket Board has initiated an internal disciplinary enquiry following media reports concerning discipline and conduct, which are currently being reviewed internally,” Mir said in a statement.
“The PCB handles such matters in accordance with its standard procedures. The process is being conducted under PCB regulations, ensuring that all concerned individuals are given due consideration.”
The development comes at a turbulent time for Pakistan cricket, with the team suffering two heavy defeats in the opening two Tests against England. The results prompted the PCB to make sweeping changes to both its squad and support staff ahead of the final match of the series.
Pakistan lost the opening Test by an innings and 103 runs before suffering a 194-run defeat at Lord’s in the second Test.
The PCB’s response was drastic. Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Imam-ul-Haq, Ali Usman, Khurram Shahzad, Aamir Jamal and Muhammad Awais Zafar were dropped from the squad, while head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were also released from their positions.
Seven players were subsequently added to the squad. Among them are Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal, who have already represented Pakistan at the international level, while five others are yet to make their international debuts.
The uncapped players include pace-bowling all-rounders Razaullah Khan and Mohammad Imran, left-arm spinner Arafat Minhas, wicketkeeper Saad Baig and left-arm pacer Mohammad Imran Junior.
The scale of the changes had already raised questions over whether Pakistan’s decisions were based purely on performances. PCB Director of High Performance Aaqib Javed further added to the controversy when he questioned Imam-ul-Haq’s calf injury sustained during the Lord’s Test.
Imam suffered a low-grade calf tear at Lord’s and did not bat in either innings. Aaqib questioned whether the injury was severe enough to prevent the opener from batting and said Imam would have to face an enquiry.
“The Imam injury is a big question mark, and a deep disappointment,” Aaqib told Pakistan broadcaster Geo.
“I can’t say he faked it, but a muscle pull like that cannot stop you from batting altogether.”
Aaqib also defended the PCB’s decision to make sweeping changes during the series, saying the recalled players had been sent a message that they needed to perform on important tours and show greater effort.
MATCH-FIXING QUESTIONS RESURFACE
The latest development has also brought renewed scrutiny on Pakistan cricket, with reports from the country suggesting that the reasons behind the sweeping changes could extend beyond poor performances on the field.
A report by the Times of India claimed that the decisions were driven by factors that were “more than cricket”. The report also stated that the PCB had been contacted for a response, but no comment had been received at the time of publication.
Meanwhile, a separate report by Pakistani outlet 365 News claimed that some players had handed over their mobile phones to the PCB, with the devices expected to remain in the board’s custody until the final Test. The report did not identify the players involved, while the PCB has not publicly explained the reason for taking the devices.
The developments have inevitably revived memories of Pakistan’s infamous spot-fixing scandal at Lord’s in 2010. However, there has been no official indication from the PCB that the current disciplinary enquiry is related to match-fixing or spot-fixing.
