PCB sends seven players and two coaches home after England Test defeats
Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq and Salman Ali Agha are reportedly among those removed as the board reviews performance, selection and alleged behavioural concerns.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has reportedly sent seven players and two coaches home after Pakistan lost the opening two Tests against England, prompting sweeping changes before the third and final match.
Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq and Salman Ali Agha are among the players removed from the squad. Reports cited performance, selection decisions and alleged behavioural concerns, although the conduct claims have not been independently verified.
Rizwan scored 61 runs across four innings and faced criticism over his shot selection and reading of the game. Imam did not bat at Lord’s after suffering a calf strain, while Agha captained Pakistan in the first Test in Babar’s absence before being dropped for the second.
According to PTI, the decisions involving Rizwan and Imam were not based exclusively on their performances. The pair, along with Agha, are reportedly expected to appear before a committee over incidents during Pakistan’s tours of the West Indies and England.
Mike Hesson has replaced Sarfaraz as Test coach for the final match. The remaining players sent home were reportedly removed on Hesson’s recommendation as he seeks to assess white-ball specialists with whom he had previously worked.
The changes could extend to the PCB’s selection structure. Senior selector Aaqib Javed is reportedly facing possible removal as part of a wider clean-up, though details of the proposed changes remain incomplete.
