The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has commenced an internal disciplinary investigation concerning reports of misconduct and discipline during the national cricket team’s ongoing tour of England. This move comes amid mounting turmoil following Pakistan’s 2-0 Test series defeat.
PCB media director Amir Mir confirmed that the board has launched the inquiry, which is being conducted in accordance with PCB regulations and standard procedures. He emphasized that all relevant individuals will be given a fair opportunity to present their side during the process.
While the PCB has not publicly named any players or detailed specific allegations, it urged the public and stakeholders to avoid treating rumors and unverified social media claims as facts, advising reliance on official PCB communications for accurate information.
Notably, the inquiry is reported to have expanded to include former Test players Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Rizwan. The board is reportedly scrutinizing their activities and contacts during their stay in London. Some that the team’s security officer confiscated their mobile phones after Pakistan’s heavy defeat at Lord’s, with the devices returned several hours later following alleged data transfer. However, the PCB has neither confirmed the seizure of phones nor the involvement of Imam or Rizwan in the inquiry.
Investigators are said to be examining whom the players contacted and their conduct in London, with potential disciplinary actions under consideration if any misconduct is proven. These details remain unconfirmed by the PCB.
In a related development, Imam-ul-Haq’s withdrawal from the second Test at Lord’s has come under scrutiny. The PCB officially stated that Imam sustained a low-grade left calf muscle strain while fielding on the opening day and was receiving medical treatment. However, questions arose after he did not bat in either innings despite reportedly participating in training sessions. PCB high-performance director and national selector Aaqib Javed has called for an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Imam’s injury. There are indications that a broader investigation into Imam’s conduct might be underway, though no official confirmation of any suspension or wrongdoing has been made.
Mohammad Rizwan’s conduct is also being reviewed following the PCB’s decision to release him from the Test squad. Rizwan was among seven players dropped after Pakistan’s defeats in the first two Tests. Although his behavior is part of the wider disciplinary review, no specific allegations against him have been publicly confirmed.
This disciplinary probe follows a significant overhaul of Pakistan’s Test setup after the team suffered heavy defeats in England. Pakistan lost the first Test at Headingley by an innings and 103 runs, followed by a 194-run loss at Lord’s, handing England a 2-0 series lead. Subsequently, the PCB made sweeping changes to both squad and coaching staff, releasing seven players including Rizwan, Imam, and Salman Ali Agha, and introducing new and uncapped players for the final Test. The board also replaced red-ball head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed with Mike Hesson on an interim basis.
The third and final Test is scheduled to commence at Edgbaston, Birmingham, on September 9.
The PCB has refrained from providing further details on the inquiry while it remains in progress. The board reiterated that all parties involved will be allowed to present their accounts before any decisions are made. It also cautioned against relying on speculative or unverified reports circulating outside official channels.
At this stage, no disciplinary findings or sanctions have been announced against Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Rizwan, or any other players. Nevertheless, this development adds a new dimension to the crisis engulfing Pakistan cricket following the team’s poor performance and the extensive squad and staff changes during the England tour.
