PCB has launched an investigation into media reports concerning discipline and conduct. The probe comes during the team’s crisis tour of England. Pakistan last week took the unusual step of sending seven players home. They also called up seven replacements after losing heavily in the first two Tests. The team is currently 2-0 down in the three-match series.
Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and assistant Umar Gul have also been replaced. Mike Hesson, who was in charge of Pakistan’s white-ball sides, will oversee the third Test. Former Australia seamer Ashley Noffke will assist him. The third Test begins at Edgbaston on Wednesday.
The PCB issued a statement regarding the investigation. It said the board has initiated an internal disciplinary inquiry following media reports. The reports concern discipline and conduct and are being reviewed internally. The board said it handles such matters according to standard procedures. All concerned individuals will be given due consideration. The statement also advised stakeholders to rely on official communications. It warned that speculative reports on certain platforms should not be regarded as credible.
The seven senior players sent home include Salman Ali Agha. He captained Pakistan in the first Test before being dropped for the second. Wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq were also among those sent home. Imam had suffered a low-grade calf strain in the field and did not bat in either innings. Former captain Shahid Afridi described the decision as the most shocking ever by a selection committee.
Of the seven replacements called up, only Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal have Test experience. The rest are largely inexperienced at the international level. The squad changes have raised questions about the team’s preparation and direction.
New coach Ashley Noffke addressed the media in Birmingham on Monday. He admitted he was unaware of the specifics of the probe. He said he sits outside the decision-making model. He said the coaching staff tries to keep players focused on what they need to worry about. Noffke noted that there is always something going on in the background in Pakistan cricket. He said most of the time it is out of the players’ control. He said players need to focus on the cricket in front of them.
Babar Azam Reveals PCB Made Major Squad Changes Without Consulting Him
Pakistan captain Babar Azam has broken his silence on the PCB’s decision to make major changes to the squad mid-series. He revealed that he was not consulted about the decision. He said he only found out about the changes later. He stated that the PCB made the decisions and they can explain it better. His statement suggests that the PCB acted without consulting the Test captain.
The PCB sent seven players and two coaches home after Pakistan suffered heavy defeats in the first two Tests against England. The team is currently 2-0 down in the three-match series. Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were replaced. White-ball head coach Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke will take charge for the third Test. The final Test begins on Wednesday at Edgbaston.
The players sent home include wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan, opening batter Imam-ul-Haq, and Salman Ali Agha. Salman had captained the team in the first Test. Ali Usman and Khurram Shahzad, who played in the second Test, were also released. All-rounder Aamir Jamal and batter Awais Zafar, who did not feature in either Test, were also sent back.
Pakistan have now lost 10 of their last 11 away Tests. The team have failed to cross the 200-run mark in any of their four innings in the series. They suffered an innings-and-103-run defeat in Leeds. They then lost the Lord’s Test by 194 runs. The batting struggles have been particularly severe.
The selectors have brought in fresh faces. Opening batter Saim Ayub, who has played eight Tests, has been recalled. Abdullah Fazal has also been brought back after recovering from an injury. Five uncapped players have also been added to the squad. These include Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Imran Jr., Saad Baig, Mohammad Imran, and Razaullah. With England already 2-0 ahead, Pakistan will look to avoid a whitewash in Birmingham.
FAQs
Q. How many players did Pakistan send home?
A. Pakistan sent seven players home.
Q. Who will oversee Pakistan’s third Test against England?
A. Mike Hesson will oversee the third Test.
Q. Was Babar Azam consulted about the squad changes?
A. No. Babar said he was not consulted.
Q. How many of Pakistan’s last 11 away Tests have they lost?
A. They have lost 10 of their last 11 away Tests.
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