After the crushing defeat in the Lord's Test on the England tour, a big change has been seen in the Pakistan cricket team. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) recalled 7 players of the Test squad back to the country before the third Test, which also includes injured opener Imam ul Haq and experienced wicketkeeper batsman Mohammad Rizwan.
Pakistan Cricket Team: After the poor performance of the Pakistan cricket team on the England tour, a period of change and controversy continues within the team. After the one-sided defeat in the Lord's Test, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) made a major change in its Test squad and called seven players back to Pakistan. These include injured opening batsman Imam-ul-Haq and experienced wicketkeeper batsman Mohammad Rizwan.
Now questions are being raised regarding Imam ul Haq's injury. It is being claimed in the reports that PCB is preparing to conduct a detailed investigation into this matter. If the board is not satisfied with their explanation during the investigation, then strict action can be taken against them. At the same time, reports regarding Mohammad Rizwan have also indicated that his return to international cricket may be difficult.
Why were questions raised on Imam ul Haq's injury?
Imam Ul Haq suffered a leg injury on the first day of the Lord's Test. After this, Pakistan Cricket Board informed that his calf injury was being assessed and it was not decided whether he would be able to bat further in the match or not. However, after returning to Pakistan, discussions regarding his injury intensified. Some reports mention allegations against the Imam of making excuses for his injury. At present these allegations are a matter of investigation and cannot be seen as established facts.
According to Geo News report, PCB wants a detailed report after investigating this entire matter. The board may try to find out what the actual circumstances of the injury were and how accurate the information given to the team management was.
Discussion of ban of 1 to 2 years
According to reports, if PCB's investigation reveals serious irregularities regarding Imam Ul Haq and the board is not satisfied with his answers, then a ban of one to two years can be considered on him. However, it is important to note that at present no such final decision has come out. News of a possible ban will depend on the investigation and its findings.
In this case the Imam may also need to seek legal advice to clarify his position. The report by news agency PTI also mentioned the possibility of Imam seeking legal advice amid a possible PCB investigation.
Mohammad Rizwan's career also in trouble
On the other hand, the situation in Pakistan cricket is also said to be challenging regarding experienced batsman and wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan. His bat failed to make an impact in both the Test matches played on the England tour. According to reports, the PCB is also unhappy with aspects related to their selection and discipline. In such a situation, the board is expected to take strict action against Rizwan.
Geo News report claims that Rizwan's international career is now considered to be coming to an end and it may be difficult for him to return to the national team in any format. However, no final official announcement has come from the PCB in this regard also.
England tour increased Pakistan's problems
Pakistan's defeat in the Lord's Test once again exposed the team's weaknesses. Issues related to players' fitness, selection and discipline along with poor performance have created new challenges for the PCB. The decision to call back seven players to Pakistan during the tour is also being considered as a part of this broader change. Now the eyes of cricket fans are on the PCB investigation and the subsequent decisions.