Lahore, Sept 8:
The Pakistan Cricket Board has launched an internal disciplinary inquiry into reports concerning the conduct of members of the national team during the ongoing England tour, adding another layer to an already deepening crisis.
The PCB said the inquiry was initiated following media reports about discipline and conduct but did not identify the players involved or specify the alleged violations. The announcement came after the board made sweeping changes to the squad following Pakistan’s heavy defeats in the first two Tests.
Pakistan lost the opening Test by an innings and 103 runs at Headingley before suffering a 194-run defeat at Lord’s. With England taking an unassailable 2-0 lead, the PCB responded by sending seven players home and replacing head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul.
Among those released from the squad were senior players Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha and Imam-ul-Haq, along with Ali Usman, Khurram Shahzad, Aamir Jamal and Muhammad Awais Zafar. The board brought in seven replacements, including several uncapped players, for the final Test at Edgbaston.
The coaching structure was also overhauled. White-ball coach Mike Hesson was handed responsibility for the Test side for the series finale, while former Australia seamer Ashley Noffke replaced Umar Gul as bowling coach. The changes came just days before the third Test, prompting criticism from former Pakistan players and coaches.
The disciplinary inquiry now adds a new dimension to the turmoil. The PCB has provided no details about the alleged incidents, leaving speculation to grow around what may have occurred within the team environment.
Former Pakistan cricketers have already questioned the board’s handling of the crisis, particularly the decision to make such sweeping changes in the middle of a Test series. Critics have argued that the instability could further damage player confidence and team morale.
The PCB, however, has indicated that the inquiry will examine the reported issues internally. The investigation comes at a particularly sensitive time for Pakistan cricket, with the team attempting to salvage pride in the final Test while facing growing questions about discipline, selection and management.
The Edgbaston Test, beginning on Wednesday, therefore carries significance beyond the result. Pakistan will not only be looking to avoid a series whitewash but will also be under intense scrutiny over how the drastically reshaped side responds to the crisis surrounding it.