PCB to probe players’ conduct, discipline in England

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has launched an internal disciplinary inquiry into issues of discipline and conduct within the national team during its ongoing England tour, adding another layer to the upheaval that has engulfed the side after two heavy defeats.

PCB media director Amir Mir announced on Monday that the board had initiated the inquiry following “media reports concerning discipline and conduct”. He did not provide details about the allegations or identify the players involved.

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“The PCB handles such matters in accordance with its standard procedures,” Mir said in a statement. “The process is being conducted under PCB regulations, ensuring that all concerned individuals are given due consideration.”

The investigation comes after the PCB recalled seven players from England following Pakistan’s 194-run defeat to England in the second Test at Lord’s. The loss gave England an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Pakistan had earlier suffered an innings and 103-run defeat in the opening Test at Headingley, leaving the team under mounting pressure ahead of the final match in Birmingham, which begins on September 9.

The PCB has also made major changes to the coaching set-up. Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were relieved of their duties only six matches into their tenure. White-ball coaches Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke have been handed interim charge of the team for the final Test.

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi had earlier hinted that the board was looking beyond the team's poor performances to determine the reasons behind the crisis.

“We have had a discussion to ascertain the reasons behind it [team's poor performances],” Naqvi told Geo. “They include factors beyond performance and we will get to the bottom of it.”

The coaching changes followed an apparent breakdown in communication between the touring selection committee, involving Sarfaraz and captain Babar Azam, and Aaqib Javed, the PCB's director of high performance and one of the selectors.

Aaqib publicly criticised Sarfaraz over his selection decisions and also raised questions over Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq, who suffered a calf injury on the opening day of the second Test and did not bat.

The disagreement over Imam's fitness became another point of tension, with Aaqib suggesting that the opener should have batted despite the injury. He also spoke of wider problems within the touring party, saying the changes were necessary because “the world was laughing at us”.

However, the PCB has not yet disclosed what specifically triggered the latest disciplinary inquiry.

It remains unclear whether the investigation is limited to the seven players who were sent home or whether other members of the squad currently training in Birmingham are also being examined. The board has also not provided a timeline for the inquiry or indicated what sanctions, if any, could follow.

With Pakistan already out of contention in the series, the final Test against England now takes place against the backdrop of an internal investigation and a sweeping overhaul of the national side.