The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has launched an internal inquiry into reports concerning the “discipline and conduct” of members of the national team, adding another layer of controversy to the side’s troubled tour of England.
Key Highlights
- The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has launched an internal inquiry into reports concerning the discipline and conduct of national team members.
- Pakistan are already 2-0 down in the three-match Test series against England.
- The inquiry comes amid major changes to Pakistan’s squad and coaching setup.
- Seven players were sent home, while seven replacements were called up.
- New Zealand’s Mike Hesson was appointed head coach for the final Test.
Pakistan are already 2-0 down in the three-match Test series and will face England in the final Test at Edgbaston on Wednesday, hoping to avoid a clean sweep.
The PCB announced the investigation on Monday following reports about the conduct of players and officials during the tour.
In a statement, the board said the matter was being reviewed internally under its established disciplinary procedures, with those involved to be given due consideration.
The PCB also dismissed what it described as speculative and unverified reports circulating on some platforms, particularly claims it said originated from “hostile external sources”.
The board urged supporters and stakeholders to rely on its official communications and said it would not comment further while the process was ongoing.
The latest development comes after a major shake-up of Pakistan’s squad last week, when seven players were sent home and seven replacements called up.
The changes followed the appointment of New Zealander Mike Hesson as head coach for the final Test, replacing Sarfaraz Ahmed.
Among the experienced players dropped from the squad were captain Salman Ali Agha, batter Imam-ul-Haq and wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan.
Hesson had previously addressed reports surrounding the changes, including an allegation that Salman refused to attend a meeting with King Charles at Clarence House.
The new head coach also dismissed reports suggesting that the PCB had mistakenly called up two players with similar names as replacements.
Meanwhile, Australia’s Ashley Noffke has joined Pakistan’s coaching staff as fast-bowling coach, replacing former Pakistan pacer Umar Gul.
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Noffke said on Monday that he had no knowledge of the details surrounding the new disciplinary inquiry.
“I don’t know too much. I sit outside that decision-making model, above us as coaches,” he said.
The Australian, who previously spent almost 15 months coaching Pakistan’s white-ball side, acknowledged that uncertainty and behind-the-scenes developments were not unusual around the team.
“I guess that’s one thing I’ve learned about being in Pakistan and coaching for a period of time — there’s always something going on in the background,” Noffke said.
He added that many of the developments were beyond the control of the coaching staff and players.
Pakistan’s difficult tour has also been marked by a dispute over an interview with former prime minister and ex-Pakistan captain Imran Khan, which was broadcast by Sky Sports during the second Test at Lord’s.
The Pakistan team reportedly threatened to abandon the remainder of the Test and the tour over the broadcast involving the imprisoned former leader.
With the final Test approaching, the PCB’s latest investigation has further increased the pressure on a Pakistan side already struggling both on and off the field.
Pakistan must now regroup quickly at Edgbaston, where they will attempt to end the tour with a victory and avoid a 3-0 series defeat.
