Alarm bells ringing in Pakistan, probe launched after Lord’s test
Pakistan’s disastrous England Test tour took another dramatic turn as the PCB launched an internal disciplinary inquiry into the team. The development comes after a massive mid-series shake-up saw seven players dropped and two members of the coaching staff sacked ahead of the final Test.
PCB spokesperson Amir Mir confirmed the inquiry on Monday, September 7, saying the board was looking into media reports about team discipline and conduct. However, the PCB did not provide details of the allegations or say whether the investigation involved any specific player.
“The Pakistan Cricket Board has initiated an internal disciplinary investigation following media reports of discipline and conduct, which are currently under internal review,” Mir said in a statement.
“PCB handles such matters in accordance with its standard procedures. The process is conducted in accordance with PCB regulations, ensuring that due consideration is given to all concerned.”
The development comes at a turbulent time for Pakistan cricket, with the team suffering two heavy defeats in the first two Tests against England. The defeats prompted PCB to make major changes in their team and support staff ahead of the final match of the series.
PAKISTAN CHANGES
Pakistan lost the opening Test by an innings and 103 runs before suffering a 194-run defeat at Lord’s in the second match.
The response from PCB was drastic. Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Imam-ul-Haq, Ali Usman, Khurram Shahzad, Aamir Jamal and Muhammad Awais Zafar were dropped from the squad, head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were also relieved from their positions.
Subsequently, seven players were brought into the squad. Among them are Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal who have already played international cricket while five players are yet to make their international debut.
The uncapped players include all-rounders Razaullah Khan and Mohammad Imran, left-arm spinner Arafat Minhas, wicketkeeper Saad Baig and left-arm pacer Mohammad Imran Junior.
The scale of the changes has already raised questions about whether Pakistan’s decisions are based purely on performance. PCB High Performance Director Aaqib Javed subsequently cast doubt on the situation further when he criticized Imam-ul-Haq for his alleged calf injury during the Lord’s Test.
Imam suffered a non-quality calf tear at Lord’s and did not bat in either innings. Questioning how the injury could have prevented the opener from batting completely, Aaqib said Imam would have to face an enquiry.
“The imam’s injury is a big question mark and a deep disappointment,” Aaqib told Pakistan’s Geo broadcaster.
“I can’t say he was faking it, but a muscle pull like that doesn’t stop you from hitting the ball completely.
Aaqib also defended the PCB’s decision to make so many changes during the series and said that the recalled players have got a message that they need to perform on important tours and show more effort.
RENEWAL OF MATCH ADJUSTMENT QUESTIONS
The dramatic development has also brought fresh scrutiny to Pakistan cricket, with reports from the country suggesting the reasons for the changes could go beyond poor performances.
A news report by Pakistani outlet 365 News claimed that some players had handed over their mobile phones to the PCB, with the devices expected to remain in the board’s custody until the final Test. The report did not identify the players involved, while the PCB did not publicly explain why the devices were removed.
The development inevitably revived memories of Pakistan’s infamous spot-fixing scandal at Lord’s in 2010.
Then Pakistan captain Salman Butt, along with Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir, were found guilty of accepting money from a bookie in exchange for deliberately bowling no-balls at pre-arranged times during a Test against England at the same venue. Three players received bans and prison terms.
However, the PCB has not confirmed that the current inquiry is related to match-fixing.
In its statement, the board specifically referred to “discipline and conduct” and urged the public not to give credence to speculation or unverified claims circulating on social media and other platforms.
“At this stage, any speculative reports or unverified claims circulating on certain platforms, especially those originating from hostile external sources, should not be taken as credible,” the PCB said.
The board added that it would not comment further while the process is ongoing and urged stakeholders and the public to rely on the PCB’s official communication.
Pakistan will now head into the final Test with a significantly changed squad, while the PCB’s internal investigation adds another layer of uncertainty to an already troubled tour.
Management has not yet publicly linked the investigation to match-fixing. An investigation will determine whether the disciplinary concerns reported around the team amount to something more serious.
– The end
Issued by:
Kingshuk Kusari
Published on:
07 Sep 2026 15:31 IST