Last Updated on 12 seconds ago by Charbel Coorey
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has initiated an internal investigation into the discipline and conduct of Pakistan players in the ongoing England tour. The decision comes at a time when the Pakistan team is undergoing major changes following a poor performance in the Test series. The PCB said it has set up the inquiry, but did not reveal details of the incidents or the players involved.
Pakistan are currently in Birmingham, preparing for the third and final Test against England. Pakistan lost by 194 runs at Lord’s in the second Test, leaving the hosts with an unassailable 2-0 advantage. The result brought about major changes in the Pakistan squad and coaching staff, leading to the resignation of Misbah-ul-Haq from the selection committee as well.
MORE TO READ: Imam-ul-Haq could face a ban of 1-2 years: Report
PCB’s media director Amir Mir confirmed that an inquiry was underway and said the board was handling the matter under its normal procedures.
“The Pakistan Cricket Board has initiated an internal disciplinary inquiry following media reports concerning discipline and conduct, which are currently being reviewed internally.” PCB Media Director Amir Mir made the announcement on the social media platform X (Twitter).
“The PCB handles such matters in accordance with its standard procedures. The process is being conducted under PCB regulations, ensuring that all concerned individuals are given due consideration.”
PCB probe discipline issues regarding player conduct
The latest probe comes after a major shake-up in the Pakistan team. Seven players were replaced after the loss at Lord’s, while Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were dismissed from their jobs just six matches after taking charge. White-ball coaches Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke were handed the red-ball roles on an interim basis.
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi had earlier indicated that the board would look beyond Pakistan’s poor performances. “We had a discussion to find out the reasons behind it [the team’s poor performances],” he said to Geo News. They are more performance related and we will get to the bottom of it.”
The changes also came after reported communication problems between the touring selection committee – which included Sarfaraz and captain Babar Azam – and Aaqib Javed, the PCB’s director of high performance and one of the selectors.
Aaqib also said that inquiry can be made into Imam-ul-Haq after the opener did not bat after calf injury on the first day of the second Test. Aaqib also mentioned broader discipline issues within the touring party, and he believed Imam should have gone out to bat.
The PCB has refused to reveal who is being investigated or whether the probe covers players who have already been dropped from the squad. Also, a report in The Telegraph reveals the PCB has confiscated the phones of two players.
The board has given no indication of a timetable for the investigation or what sanctions it might impose. The inquiry adds to Pakistan’s series of problems as the team prepares for the final Test of a tough England tour.
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