The player was dropped from the Pakistan Test squad and refused to meet King Charles: The Report

The Pakistani player reportedly refused to attend the team’s meeting with King Charles III. at Clarence House, despite being instructed to join the royal engagement before the third Test against England. The player was among seven cricketers dropped from the Test squad following Pakistan’s heavy defeat at Lord’s.

According to a report in The Telegraph, Pakistan’s entire tour group, including the seven players removed from the squad, have been asked to attend the meeting. Muhammad Awais Zafar, Aamir Jamal, Khurram Shahzad and Ali Usman were present, while two other suspended players were reportedly reluctant to attend and another chose to stay away in protest at their treatment by the Pakistan Cricket Board.

The players were reportedly told that attendance was mandatory despite the unrest surrounding the team. The sweeping changes came after Pakistan suffered a 194-run defeat against England at Lord’s, a result that also effectively ended their hopes of winning the series.

The meeting itself was cordial, with King Charles talking to Pakistan’s players and officials and offering them encouragement during the tough tour. Pakistan captain Babar Azam presented a signed bat to the Kingwhile PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi also donated to him.

PAKISTAN UNREST WEEK

The Royal clash came amid a major shake-up in Pakistan cricket, with the PCB making sweeping changes to the Test squad following back-to-back defeats against England. Seven players and several members of the coaching staff have been removed from the visiting squad, with their replacements yet to be announced.

The changes have drawn criticism from several former Pakistan cricketers, while the PCB reportedly issued a notice to the selectors for the decision. The board also drew attention after reportedly searching for a field coach through LinkedIn, a move that received a mixed response.

Pakistan have already been embroiled in controversy during the second Test at Lord’s. The players reportedly threatened not to return after lunch on opening day if Sky Sports broadcast an an interview with the sons of former Pakistan captain and Prime Minister Imran Khanwho has been imprisoned for the past three years on corruption charges.

The interview was eventually aired, but Pakistan returned to the field before suffering another defeat. The fallout from the team’s poor results then led to further changes, including the departure of head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed, with New Zealander Mike Hesson taking charge for the rest of the series.

With England having already clinched the series, Pakistan will now turn their attention to the third Test at Edgbaston where they will try to end a tough campaign on a positive note.

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Issued by:

Debodinna Chakraborty

Published on:

03 Sep 2026 15:09 IST